Attacks in Saudi Arabia: Asian Cup postponed

The Asian Cup was due to take place in Saudi Arabia in early 2027. However, it has now been confirmed that the tournament cannot go ahead as planned due to the attacks in the region.

Following attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Yemeni Houthi militia, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the planned Asian Cup. Instead of running from 7 January to 5 February 2027, the tournament is now scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, as announced by the AFC.

” “The Asian Cup Organising Committee has decided to reschedule the tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region – including significant logistical difficulties and travel disruptions,” the association explained.

“The postponement is necessary in the interests of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders,” it added. The schedule will be submitted to FIFA, the world governing body, for approval.

Tennis tournament postponed, Dakar Rally rescheduled

Several sporting events previously planned for Saudi Arabia had already been postponed or moved to a different venue. The high-prize-money Six Kings Slam invitational tennis tournament, featuring Germany’s world number one Alexander Zverev, is set to take place at the end of the year. The event was originally due to take place in October. The 2027 Dakar Rally will be held in Portugal and Morocco instead of in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi militia from Yemen are currently engaged in fighting. A ceasefire had been in place in the war since 2022. However, in July, the conflict escalated again in the wake of the war with Iran. Since then, Saudi Arabia has come under heavy attack from Yemen, with airports and oil facilities, amongst other targets, being hit.