Asia Cup is POSTPONED just two months before its start due to safety concerns in Saudi Arabia - in huge boost to Premier League clubs

Published: 03:25 EDT, 3 November 2026 | Updated: 03:32 EDT, 3 November 2026 The 2027 Asia Cup has been delayed by almost a year amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.The tournament, hosted by Saudi Arabia, was due to kick off in less than two months, but has been postponed until December 2027 after the Houthi-Saudi Arabia conflict re-escalated following a four-year lull. Major airports in Saudi Arabia are operating reduced services after a missile attack by Yemen's Houthi movement on Riyadh's airport killed 13 people.It makes the tournament not only a logistical nightmare for the 24 participating teams but also raises serious safety concerns. A statement from the Asian Football Confederation said: 'The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved rescheduling 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 new dates of the tournament (December 23 2027 to January 21 2028) 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.'More to follow.