Asian Cup postponed due to attacks in Saudia Arabia
The Socceroos′ Asian Cup campaign has been postponed due to conflict in the Middle East.
The tournament was due to take place in Saudi Arabia from January to February but now faces an 11-month postponement.
Socceroos players pose before the World Cup match against Egypt. Alex Slitz
The new dates for the Asian Cup are December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
“The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions,” the Asian Football Confederation wrote in a statement.
“The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval.
“Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.”
The postponement of the tournament had been forecasted for weeks after Saudi Arabia’s second-busiest airport, King Khalid International airport in Jeddah, was attacked on October 10 with 12 people dead.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia today issued a security over potential attacks on airports amid hostilities between Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia.
Australian government website Smart Traveller currently advises no travel to Saudi Arabia due to the volatile security situation.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic is contracted through until the end of the Asian Cup which does not extend into the new year due to the delay.
The Socceroos have two friendlies scheduled for November 14 and 18 against Qatar in Doha and Jordan in Amman.
