Japan FA chief says Saudi security clouds 2027 Asian Cup schedule
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto’s warning adds pressure on Asian football authorities to resolve whether Saudi Arabia can safely stage the tournament as scheduled in January.
The Lead
Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said on October 23 that Saudi Arabia’s security situation could prevent the 2027 Asian Cup proceeding as scheduled, deepening uncertainty for participating teams and supporters less than three months before kickoff.
Key Facts
- The 24-team tournament is scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027.
- Its 51 matches are assigned to Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
- The Saudi organizing committee says preparations remain on the approved schedule.
Article Body
Miyamoto told reporters at an Asian Football Confederation gathering in Tokyo that Saudi officials had identified the safety of players, spectators and other attendees as their priority. He said they would work with the AFC to determine whether the competition could proceed.
That caution contrasts with the Saudi local organizing committee’s stated position that operational and venue preparations remain on schedule. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa previously said officials could wait until the end of November before deciding and that postponement to 2028 was possible if required.
The debate follows missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia and disruption to other sporting events. The Associated Press reported that an AFC Champions League match in Riyadh was delayed during a civil-defense alert, while other competitions were moved or cancelled.
A delay would force national teams, broadcasters and supporters to revise travel and preparation plans. The next consequential question is whether the AFC receives sufficient security assurances to retain the January 7 opening date.
What to Watch
The decisive signal will be whether the Asian Football Confederation makes a firm scheduling decision by the end of November, the timeframe identified by its president, rather than allowing preparations to continue under unresolved security conditions.