War and insecurity affected Saudi sports programs

The war and the increase in security concerns in the region have affected Saudi sports programs and have made the holding of some important international events in this country uncertain.

According to Mehr's reporter, the increase in security concerns in the region and the recent missile attacks on Riyadh have put Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2027 Asian Nations Cup into question. An issue that, in addition to changing the economic and sports policies of this country, has also affected the future of some major sports projects in Saudi Arabia.

The Guardian newspaper wrote today, Saturday, October 25, in a report referring to the recent developments in the region: Saudi Arabia's position in the field of world sports has changed significantly compared to a year ago. Saudi Arabia's Al-Nasr match against Uzbekistan's Fergana Oil Company in the Asian Elite League was delayed due to a warning about a possible missile attack. The warning was issued only 15 minutes before the start of the match. This happened two days after the attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport.

Referring to Saudi Arabia's hosting of the Asian Nations Cup in January and February 2027 (D and Bahman 1405), the Guardian emphasized that in the current situation, questions have been raised about the possibility of holding these competitions. However, Saudi officials have announced that preparations are proceeding according to plan.

Postponement and cancellation of sports events in Saudi Arabia

According to the Guardian newspaper, the Asian Golf Tour has postponed next month's "Saudi International" until further notice, the World Urban Cycling Championship in Riyadh has been canceled and the FIFA eSports World Cup has also been postponed. Also, the tennis competition that was supposed to be held next week has been postponed to the end of December.

The Guardian also reported on the transfer of the 2029 Asian Winter Games from Saudi Arabia to Kazakhstan and wrote that there were reports that the five stadiums planned for the 2034 World Cup might not be built. The Neom stadium, which was supposed to be built at a height of 350 meters, is one of these projects, a plan that has faced ambiguities after the reduction of the dimensions of the urban development project.

The 2034 World Cup is still in Saudi Arabia's schedule

The Guardian wrote at the end of its report that the Saudi professional football league and the hosting of the 2034 World Cup are still in the country's plans, although some infrastructure projects may face budget cuts or changes.

However, this newspaper has emphasized that the realization of Saudi Arabia's long-term sports plans depends on security developments in the region. In a situation where missile attacks and the war between America and Iran have affected the atmosphere in the region, concerns about the security of holding major sports events in Saudi Arabia have increased.