Asian Cup postponed in wake of attacks on Saudi Arabia

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Aston Villa will have goalkeeper Zion Suzuki more available this season because of the rescheduling of the Asian CupByMandeep SangheraBBC Sport journalistPublished42 minutes agoThe 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed because of a series of deadly attacks on the host country.The tournament was scheduled to take place from 7 January to 5 February but has been rescheduled to run from 23 December, 2027 to 21 January, 2028.In October, a missile attack by Yemen's Houthi movement on Riyadh's airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300. A statement from the the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), external said the decision to reschedule had been taken "in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions".It added: "The new dates of the tournament will be presented to Fifa for approval."A number of events in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled recently, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition event, which was scheduled to be in Riyadh.Related topicsFootballSaudi minister vows 'serious response' to Houthi attacks on airportsPublished13 OctoberMore on this storyFollow your club with BBC SportPublished8 JuneListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phonePublished28 August