The Asian Football Confederation decided to move the 24-team tournament after consulting with the Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. Host cities like Riyadh have faced recurring strikes from Houthi forces, leading several competing nations to voice serious security and logistical objections. The proposed revised calendar now shifts the competition to run from December 23, 2027, through January 21, 2028. Final confirmation of the new tournament dates remains subject to official approval from FIFA.
Key points
Escalating regional hostilities and missile strikes directed at Saudi Arabian cities caus…: Escalating regional hostilities and missile strikes directed at Saudi Arabian cities caused substantial logistical complexities.
Continental football officials prioritized the safety of teams and spectators after multi…: Continental football officials prioritized the safety of teams and spectators after multiple nations raised security warnings.
The rescheduling was finalized following joint discussions between the confederation and…: The rescheduling was finalized following joint discussions between the confederation and local Saudi organizing authorities.
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Start date for AFC Cup 2027 moved from January to December due to ongoing Houthi attacks on host nation Saudi Arabia.
Football’s upcoming Asian Cup 2027 tournament in Saudi Arabia has been rescheduled from a January start to December due to the ongoing conflict in the region, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed.
The 24-team competition, which was due to get under way in Riyadh on January 7, 2027, will now begin on December 23, the AFC said in a statement on Tuesday.
Asian football’s governing body announced the decision following “extensive discussions and close consultation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)”.
The tournament will now run from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
“The organising committee for the AFC Asian Cup approved rescheduling the tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions,” the AFC’s statement added.
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