Asian Cup Organizers Confirm Tournament Remains on Schedule Despite Security Concerns

Organizers for the upcoming Asian Cup have confirmed that preparations for the continental championship remain on track, despite mounting concerns regarding regional security. The tournament, scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5, is moving forward as planned according to the Saudi organizing committee, which issued a formal statement on Friday.

The committee noted that it is maintaining close coordination with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to ensure the event proceeds as intended. According to the organizers, work on venues, facilities, and supporting services is continuing in line with the approved schedule, with the primary objective remaining the delivery of a high-quality experience for all participating teams, fans, and media members.

These developments have prompted public concern from the South Korean Professional Footballers' Association. Lee Keun-ho, the head of the union, emphasized that the safety of players and fans must be the priority. He stated that if security cannot be guaranteed, all options—including the potential cancellation or relocation of the tournament—must be considered. South Korea is currently scheduled to face Yemen in their opening match on January 10, though participation remains contingent on safety assessments.

Addressing the uncertainty, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa indicated that the governing body is monitoring the situation closely. Speaking in Zurich, he noted that a final decision regarding the tournament's status could be delayed until the end of November. Sheikh Salman acknowledged that the regional climate is fluid and stated that the AFC retains the option to postpone the competition by one year to 2028 if the situation necessitates such a move.