The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the Asian Cup scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia, citing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia and the resulting difficulties for travel and event logistics. The tournament will move from its planned dates of January 7 to February 5, 2027, to December 23, 2027, through January 21, 2028.
The AFC said the decision reflected exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including significant logistical challenges and travel disruption. It described the postponement as necessary in the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and others involved. The revised schedule will be submitted to FIFA for approval.
Other sports events in Saudi Arabia have also been affected. The high-profile Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, which was originally due to take place in October, is now planned for the end of the year. The report also says the Dakar Rally has been moved to another location.
Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi militia have been exchanging attacks. A ceasefire had been in place since 2022, but the conflict escalated again in July amid the Iran war. Since then, Saudi Arabia has come under heavy fire from Yemen, with airports and oil facilities among the sites hit.
Sources: FAZ.