The Asian Football Confederation has postponed its 24-team tournament in Saudi Arabia, citing regional developments, travel disruption and logistical difficulties. The proposed replacement dates, 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, require FIFA approval. Moving the competition from its original January–February slot changes the seasonal availability of Asian internationals playing for English clubs. The preceding tournament was also postponed.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has changed the schedule for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The tournament had been due to run from 7 January to 5 February 2027; the proposed replacement dates are 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028. They will be submitted to world football’s governing body FIFA for approval.[1], [2]
The AFC attributed the change to exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including major logistical difficulties and disrupted travel. The competition involves 24 national teams. This is the second successive Asian Cup to move from its original schedule: the 2023 edition shifted from China to Qatar during the Covid pandemic and was played in 2024.[1]
Following the Asian Cup decision, the Saudi Pro League also postponed this week’s fixtures. League officials said the change offered additional flexibility to distribute matches more evenly through the rest of the season.[1]
The postponement changes when English clubs must release their Asian internationals during the season. Japan’s players include Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, Ipswich Town’s Daizen Maeda and Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka. Crystal Palace pair Takehiro Tomiyasu and Daichi Kamada also play for Japan. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov represents Uzbekistan, while Hull City’s Lucas Herrington represents Australia.[1]
