Saudi Arabia security puts Asian Cup in doubt: Japan football chief

What the report says

Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said the security situation in Saudi Arabia makes it difficult to hold next year’s Asian Cup on the planned schedule. His remarks came at the Asian Football Confederation’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo, as concerns grew over whether the tournament can be staged from January 7 to February 5 as scheduled.

According to Al Jazeera’s report, several sporting events in Saudi Arabia have recently been cancelled or postponed amid attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, adding to uncertainty around the football competition. Miyamoto said he had spoken with Saudi officials, who stressed that safety for players, fans and other attendees would be the top priority. He said they indicated more time would be needed before a final decision is made.

AFC president Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa said last week that a delay until 2028 remained possible if needed, while Saudi Arabia’s local organising committee later said it was still preparing for the tournament on the approved timetable. The committee said work on venues, facilities and support services was continuing, while monitoring developments that could affect delivery.

The Asian Cup has broader significance because Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sport in recent years and views the tournament as an early test run for its planned 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting duties.