AFC postpones 2027 Asian Cup due to Middle East conflict
The tournament kickoff has been moved from January 7 to December 23, 2027, following security concerns in Saudi Arabia.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup by almost a year due to the Middle East conflict and security concerns in Saudi Arabia, according to The Assam Tribune and The New Indian Express.
The AFC stated on Tuesday that after consultations with Saudi organisers, the tournament kickoff will be pushed back from January 7 to December 23, 2027.
The organising committee approved the rescheduling because of exceptional circumstances in the region, including travel disruptions and substantial logistical complexities.
The AFC said the postponement is necessary in the interest of participating teams, officials, spectators, and other stakeholders.
The new tournament dates, running from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, will be submitted to FIFA for approval.
The decision follows recent deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and comes after months of speculation regarding a delay.