October 16: Saudi Arabia’s Asian Cup organizers have moved to calm growing doubts about next January’s tournament, insisting preparations remain on track despite a wave of Houthi attacks that have already disrupted the Kingdom’s sporting calendar.
The tournament, which is being organized for the first time in Saudi Arabia, will be held from January 7 to February 5 in eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, less than three months away.
In an update released last night, its Local Organizing Committee said work was continuing “in accordance with the approved timetable” on the facilities, facilities and support services, while adding that it would “continue to monitor developments relevant to the tournament and ensure that the right conditions are in place for its successful completion”.
Yemen’s Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi infrastructure in recent days, including a missile and drone attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. Other attacks have targeted aviation and oil infrastructure, while Riyadh’s airport has faced a prolonged shutdown and repeated flight threats.
The sport has already felt the consequences. FIFA postponed its FIFAe Finals in Jeddah, the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition was moved from October to late December, while the Saudi international golf tournament has also been postponed. Three Saudi Pro League matches were changed due to logistical issues.
The AFC is currently taking a “wait and see” approach to any change of decision on the dates or venues of the 2027 Asian Cup
President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said this week that the confederation was “in no rush” to make a decision, and that the situation would be assessed until the end of November. A move to 2028 could be an option if security conditions deteriorate further.
Football Australia and the Korean Football Association have come out as both closely monitor developments, with the safety of players, staff and supporters an obvious concern as January approaches.
The uncertainty comes at an awkward time for Saudi Arabia’s wider football infrastructure programme.
The Public Investment Fund is separately considering removing five stadium projects from the Kingdom’s 2034 World Cup plans as spending priorities are reviewed.
Proposed sites at NEOM, New Murabba, Roshn, Qiddiya Coast and King Abdullah Economic City are reportedly under review, potentially reducing the program to six new builds and four renovations. Four of the places retained for 2034 are also scheduled for the Asian Cup.
These changes to the World Cup are mainly about cost rather than security, but together they make the coming months a more complicated test of Saudi Arabia’s sporting hosting ambitions than anticipated when the Asian Cup schedule was drawn up.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at (email protected)