Possible South Korean Boycott of Asian Cup

The South Korean Football Association is monitoring with concern whether conditions will allow the 2027 AFC Asian Cup to be held, as security tensions in Saudi Arabia escalate.

Following the escalation of security tensions in Saudi Arabia, the South Korean Football Federation is anxiously following the conditions for holding the 2027 Asian Nations Cup.

According to ambassador Arjan; According to Sports Three, Ambassador Arjan (Ambassador Arjan of South Korea) reported that the recent unrest in Saudi Arabia has affected the plans of the South Korean national team to participate in the Asian Nations Cup and to hold preparatory games in the Middle East. One of the officials of the football federation of this country announced that they are closely monitoring the developments in close connection with the Asian Football Confederation.

This concern has increased following the recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea has upgraded the travel warning throughout Saudi Arabia to the third level, that is, "recommendation to leave", since the evening of October 11. According to this warning, Korean citizens should leave Saudi Arabia if not necessary, and people who plan to travel to this country should cancel or postpone their plans.

An official of the South Korean Football Federation told Yonhap about the status of the tournament: "We have to wait for the decision of the Asian Football Confederation about the Asian Nations Cup."

To prepare for the participation in this competition, South Korea was following the holding of two preparatory meetings in the Middle East during the November window, one of which was supposed to be held in Saudi Arabia against the host team. The Korean Federation is now considering various options for this camp.

The Asian Nations Cup is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027. In its report, Yonhap has also raised the possibility of changing the venue of the tournament in the worst conditions.