October 27: Asian Cup organizers have released the final schedule and kick-off times for the 2027 tournament in Saudi Arabia to counter doubts about the organization of the competition.
The final had been in serious doubt after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked Riyadh’s airport, killing and injuring people and shutting down the transport hub. The regional tension also forced Saudi Arabia to cancel the Future Investment Summit, a flagship event nicknamed “Davos in the desert” that brings together investors from around the world.
The Asian Cup finals are scheduled to begin on January 7 with hosts Saudi Arabia facing Palestine in Group A in Riyadh. In Group C, Iran will play their three group matches against China, Syria and the Kyrgyz Republic in the Saudi capital. Defending champions Qatar will play Thailand and Japan at the city’s King Saud University Stadium and the other Group F match against Indonesia will take place in Jeddah.
“The allocation of all facilities and kick-off times for this finalized schedule take into account key broadcast and commercial requirements, as well as local arrangements in place to boost attendance and enhance the fan experience,” the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wrote in a statement.
The group stage will end on January 20. The King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh will host the final on February 5. The Saudi capital, as well as Jeddah and Khobar will serve as host cities for the 24-team continental flagship tournament.
At last week’s AFC extraordinary congress, organizers tried to reassure Asia’s football associations that the tournament was still on track. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, media director of the local organizing committee, told delegates, as quoted by Arab News: “(We are at) 80% preparation for our competition venues: 27 training sites, 31 hotels and 15 operational workflows are working day and night to ensure that we provide … what is required to have an exceptional tournament.”
However, the security situation in Saudi Arabia has disrupted sporting events, with Monday’s Champions League match between Al-Nassr and Al Wasl being postponed. Japan withdrew from the FIFA World Cup and the WTA tennis finals were moved from Riyadh to Indian Wells, California.
Instead, Turki Al Sheikhi, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, said the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament will go ahead as planned at the end of December.
The AFC is expected to make a final decision on the 2027 Asian Cup in the coming weeks.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at (email protected)
