Asian Cup postponed nearly a year as Middle East conflict disrupts sport

The Asian Cup football tournament in Saudi Arabia has been postponed by almost a year, as sporting organisers respond to disruption and security concerns arising from conflict in the Middle East.

The 24-team competition was due to run from 7 January to 5 February 2027. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has proposed holding it instead from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, with the dates to be submitted to FIFA for approval. FIFA’s approval is needed to require clubs to release players for international duty, the Associated Press reports.

The AFC cited exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical difficulties and travel disruption. BBC Sport reports that the postponement comes amid concern about missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement.

The decision has also prompted changes to domestic football. The Saudi Pro League said its 13th round of fixtures would be rescheduled as it reviews the season’s calendar. It said the Asian Cup delay created extra flexibility to spread matches and provide players with sufficient rest; new dates will be announced after the review.

The 2027 Dakar Rally has already been moved out of Saudi Arabia. Motorsport governing body the FIA said the decision followed recent developments in the region. The rally is now planned to run from Loulé-Faro in Portugal to Marrakech in Morocco on 9–23 January, though the FIA said those dates were subject to approval by its World Motor Sport Council. A return to Saudi Arabia is planned for 2028.

Other events remain on the calendar. BBC Sport reported on 3 November that Formula 1 was continuing to plan for races in Qatar on 27–29 November and Abu Dhabi on 4–6 December after receiving security reassurances, although some people within the sport had reservations. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends were cancelled earlier in the year; the Bahrain race was subsequently relocated to Malaysia.

The season-ending WTA Finals in women’s tennis have also been moved from Saudi Arabia to Indian Wells in California.