Missile Threat in Riyadh: Risk of Asian Cup Cancellation or Postponement

Following Houthi missile attacks on Riyadh airport and the delay of an AFC Champions League match, concerns about Saudi Arabia's readiness ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup have grown.

The Australian Football Federation announced that it is closely monitoring the situation of Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2027 Asian Nations Cup. This action takes place after the missile threat delayed the match (Al-Nasr vs. Naftchi) in the Asian Elite League.

Authorities were responding to a missile threat in the Saudi capital; where Al-Nasr finally defeated Naftchi Uzbekistan, which had 10 players, 3-1.

According to the Guardian, according to the claims of Saudi authorities, multiple Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport over the weekend left at least 14 dead and more than 300 injured. It is not known whether the Asian Football Confederation has prepared an alternative program for this tournament or not.

Considering that the Asian Nations Cup is going to start in January (mid-January) in Saudi Arabia, the Australian Football Federation has already responded to the security concerns of the region. The statement of the Australian Football Federation states: The Australian Football Federation is closely monitoring the situation of this country before the 2027 Asian Nations Cup in Saudi Arabia. The safety and health of our players, staff and fans is a priority. Our security team is closely monitoring developments.

The Guardian also reported that AFC officials are considering alternative plans if it becomes difficult to hold the tournament in Saudi Arabia. The publication added that the AFC has not released an official announcement about the host change.

Australia's first match in the Asian Nations Cup is against Singapore.

Chosun website of South Korea also reported that it is unlikely that the AFC will have the desire to deprive Saudi Arabia of hosting rights and move the tournament to another country in a short period of time, but a more likely scenario if the conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis does not subside in the coming months is that the Asian Cup will be held a year later.

According to Ambassador Arjan, China was supposed to host the 2023 Asian Nations Cup, but eight months before the start, due to the Corona virus, Qatar replaced China, and it remains to be seen whether such a decision will be made in less than 3 months until the start of the 2027 Asian Nations Cup.

Saudi Arabia won the right to host the 2027 Asian Cup in 2023. This tournament is going to be held in Riyadh and Al-Khobar with the participation of 24 countries.