Sports · Football · 1 hr ago
Saudi airport attacks raise safety concerns over 2027 Asian Cup
Attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport have raised safety concerns about the 2027 Asian Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to run from Jan.
7 to Feb.
5 in Saudi Arabia, with matches in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
Saudi officials said Houthi attacks on the airport killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300; another attack was reported the following day.
The 24-team tournament has no announced change to its plans, and the Asian Football Confederation has not given an official position on a delay or a new host.
Football Australia and South Korea’s football association say they are monitoring the situation and assessing risks.
South Korea has been placed under a travel warning advising people to leave Saudi Arabia and others to reconsider travel.
If the conflict continues, a delay or venue change could be considered, but no decision has been announced.
Missile and projectile attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport have raised safety concerns about the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 7 January to 5 February, with matches in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
Reports differ on the toll from the attacks, with Saudi officials cited by ESPN reporting at least 14 dead and more than 300 injured, while the Guardian reports more than a dozen dead and hundreds injured.
Football Australia and players’ representatives say they are monitoring security and making risk assessments, while the Asian Football Confederation has not announced a change to the tournament plans.
A delay or change of host has been raised as a possibility if the conflict continues, but no decision has been announced.
- Who
- The Asian Football Confederation and the 24 national teams due to compete in the 2027 Asian Cup.
- What
- Airport attacks have raised concerns about the safety and future of the tournament. A delay or change of host has been discussed, but no decision has been announced.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled for 7 January to 5 February 2027.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, with matches planned in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
- Why
- Missile and projectile attacks and the wider conflict have raised safety concerns for players, fans and staff.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to the Korean article.
A projectile struck the airport’s Terminal 4, causing a fire and killing one person and injuring 11, according to the Korean article.
An Asian Champions League match involving Al-Nassr was delayed by an hour after a security alert linked to an intercepted missile.
The Asian Cup is scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia.
The Asian Cup final is scheduled to take place.
- Tournament dates
- 7 January to 5 February 2027
- Host country
- Saudi Arabia
- Planned venues
- Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar
- Teams
- 24 national teams, according to the Korean article
- Riyadh matches
- 31, including the final, according to the Guardian
- Airport
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
What people are saying
The safety of players, fans and staff must be the priority and the central consideration in the planning and delivery of the AFC Asian Cup
Our experienced security team is actively monitoring developments and providing regular updates.
Sources
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