Story perspectives

AFC Says 2027 Asian Cup Plans Still On Schedule

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 2:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia's local organizing committee says preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup remain on schedule despite Houthi attacks.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa says the tournament could be postponed to 2028.
South Korea’s Professional Footballers’ Association president Lee Keun-ho warns player safety is a serious concern amid the attacks.
Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League match was delayed an hour after Saudi civil defence intercepted a missile aimed at Riyadh.

History

Historical Context

The 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Japan and South Korea in 2002, proceeded despite regional missile threats and heightened security alerts. Organizers deployed over 10,000 police officers, and the tournament generated $1.5 billion in revenue, according to FIFA’s post-event report. Similarly, the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia faces Houthi missile attacks, prompting AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa to consider a 2028 postponement. These precedents show that major football events can endure security crises, yet organizers must allocate extensive resources to safeguard players like Lee Keun-ho and clubs such as Al-Nassr.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia's local organizing committee says preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup remain on schedule despite Houthi attacks.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa says the tournament could be postponed to 2028.
South Korea’s Professional Footballers’ Association president Lee Keun-ho warns player safety is a serious concern amid the attacks.
Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League match was delayed an hour after Saudi civil defence intercepted a missile aimed at Riyadh.

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