Asian Cup organizers insisted on Friday that the continental football championship, due to be held in Saudi Arabia in early 2027, will go ahead as planned despite a wave of missile and drone attacks on the host country in recent days.
The Saudi Arabia Organizing Committee issued a statement on Friday saying it would continue to coordinate closely with the AFC. The competition is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5.
“Preparations in all organizational and operational areas are proceeding in accordance with the approved timetable, including work on venues, facilities and support services,” the Saudi organizers said. “Our focus remains on delivering a world-class event experience to participating teams, fans and media across Asia, while uniting the continent through football.”
The Korean Professional Football Association had earlier expressed concern about a series of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen against the Asian Cup host country.
“The ongoing military tensions and security instability in the Middle East are issues that can never be taken lightly,” Lee Geun-ho, president of the Korean Players Association, said in a statement. “The safety of our national team and all players participating in the Asian Cup is a serious issue.”
Attacks by the Houthis on Riyadh International Airport, the headquarters of Saudi oil giant Aramco and other aviation, oil and military facilities across Saudi Arabia have killed at least 19 people, including foreigners.
Several sporting events in Saudi Arabia have been canceled or postponed, including Netflix’s Six Kings Grand Slam tennis tournament; the women’s tennis WTA Finals moving to the United States; several matches for Saudi football club Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays; and BMX cycling Olympic qualifying events.
AP/CBS