Officially: Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia postponed

An emergency step to avert crises

The Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that the 2027 Asian Cup finals have been rescheduled. The tournament, due to be held in Saudi Arabia, will now run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, rather than its previous slot between 7 January and 5 February 2027.

The Asian Football Confederation said, in a statement on its official website: "Following extensive discussions and close consultations with the Local Organising Committee of the Saudi Arabia 2027 Asian Cup and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed that the next edition of the continent's crown jewel of tournaments, originally scheduled to be held between 7 January and 5 February 2027, will now take place between 23 December 2027 and 21 January 2028."

The statement added: "The Asian Cup Organising Committee of the Asian Football Confederation has approved the rescheduling of the most prominent tournament for national teams, in light of the current circumstances and developments taking place in the region, and the considerations that may arise from them relating to travel arrangements and logistical aspects. The new dates for the tournament will be submitted to the International Federation of Association Football for approval."

It continued: "This decision comes as a result of the extraordinary circumstances that prevent the tournament from being organised and held according to the original timeline, which has made postponing it necessary to serve the interests of all participating teams, officials, fans and other relevant parties."

Praise followed for the hosts: "The Asian Football Confederation commends the commitment of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Local Organising Committee to delivering a world-class tournament for the continent's players and fans."

The AFC also pledged to press on with preparations: "The Asian Football Confederation will continue to work closely with the Local Organising Committee, the participating member national associations, its esteemed sponsors, its broadcast partners and commercial partners, and all relevant parties, in order to organise an exceptional tournament befitting the status of the most prestigious men's national team competitions in Asia, along with the operational excellence associated with it, while minimising the impact of the postponement to the lowest possible level."

It concluded: "Further updates will be announced through the official channels of the Asian Football Confederation."