KUALA LUMPUR (MALAYSIA) (ITALPRESS) – “Following extensive discussions and intensive consultations with the Local Organising Committee of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the next edition of Asia’s premier football tournament, originally scheduled to take place from 7 January to 5 February 2027, will instead be held from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.”
This is the announcement made by the Asian Football Confederation regarding the Asian Cup, which was due to kick off in Saudi Arabia on 7 January.
The idea of moving the tournament to Australia has therefore been ruled out, with organisers opting instead to postpone the competition by almost a year.
“The AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee has approved the rescheduling of Asia’s flagship national team competition in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, which have resulted in significant logistical challenges and travel disruptions. The tournament’s new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval.”
The situation in the Middle East (the missile strike that hit Riyadh airport in mid-October, causing deaths and injuries, may have been a decisive factor) has understandably raised concerns among organisers, who have had to acknowledge the logistical difficulties and the concerns expressed by the various participating national football associations.
“The exceptional circumstances surrounding the organisation and staging of the competition under the original schedule have made postponement necessary in the interests of all participating teams, spectators and other stakeholders,” the Asian Football Confederation continued.
“The AFC would like to thank the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Local Organising Committee for their commitment to delivering a world-class tournament for players and fans across the continent.
“The AFC will continue to work closely with the organisers, participating Member Associations, commercial and broadcast partners, as well as all other stakeholders, to ensure an event befitting the prestige and operational excellence of Asia’s premier men’s national team competition, while minimising the impact of the postponement.
“Further updates will be communicated through the AFC’s official channels.”
-Photo: IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS)
