Asian Cup postponed following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The 2027 Asian Cup has been postponed by almost up to a year following recent attacks on hosts Saudi Arabia, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed.

The tournament, which was due to kick-off on January 7, has been rescheduled due to “exceptional circumstances”, the AFC said.

In October, a strike on Riyadh's international airport killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement claiming responsibility.

The AFC said the 24-team tournament could now take place from December 23 next year to January 21, 2028.

"The new dates of the tournament will be presented to Fifa for approval," the AFC said.

“Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders."

Several Premier League players, including Aston Villa’s Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, Manchester City’s Uzbekistan international defender Abdukodir Khusanov and Hull City’s Australia international defender Lucas Herrington, would have had to leave their clubs mid-season to take part in the tournament but will now be available for their teams this season.

Disruptions in travel and security concerns have affected other sporting events in Saudi Arabia, ‌with the Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh has been moved from October to December. Not all sport in the region ‌has been called off, however, with Saul "Canelo" ​Alvarez beating Christian Mbilli in their world title bout in Riyadh on Saturday.

Includes reporting from Reuters