Saudi Pro League postpones matches as Asian Cup dates shift
The Saudi Pro League has delayed Matchweek 13 following the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup due to regional conflict.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) announced on Tuesday that it would postpone Matchweek 13 and review its domestic fixture calendar. According to the Times of India, this decision follows the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) moving the 2027 AFC Asian Cup from its original January 7 to February 5, 2027, window to December 23, 2027, through January 21, 2028.
The AFC cited exceptional circumstances, including logistical challenges and travel disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Recent security incidents in the region include an attack on Riyadh's international airport last month that resulted in at least 12 deaths and over 300 injuries. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for that strike, and also recently reported drone attacks toward Dammam airport.
The tournament will involve 24 teams playing across eight venues in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. The new dates for the Asian Cup must now be submitted to FIFA for approval. Yasser Al-Misehal, head of the local organising committee, stated that Saudi Arabia remains prepared and will continue work toward the new December 2027 dates.
The regional instability has also impacted club football. Al-Nassr, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, has faced disruptions in the AFC Champions League Elite. A home match against UAE side Al-Wasl was postponed after the visitors did not travel to Riyadh, and a previous game against Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana was delayed following a security alert.
Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou said Ronaldo was left out of a recent squad against Pakhtakor to provide rest due to travel and match pressures. Other sporting events in the region, such as the WTA Finals and the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix, have also faced cancellations or relocations.
