Football Australia is monitoring security in Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2027 men's Asian Cup after attacks in Riyadh, according to AAP and AFP reports on October 13. Players' representatives also called for safety to guide preparations. No postponement or relocation has been announced in those reports.
The AFC's published schedule places the tournament between January 7 and February 5, 2027. AAP reported that Saudi officials blamed Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport for at least 14 deaths and more than 300 injuries over the weekend. Those casualty figures are attributed to the officials.
Football Australia told AAP that its security team was following developments and issuing regular updates. It said protecting players, staff and supporters was paramount, with risk assessment a central part of preparations for January. AAP reported that the Asian Football Confederation had not answered its request for comment.
Beau Busch, chief executive of Professional Footballers Australia, said player, fan and staff safety should determine tournament planning, AAP reported. He said the union and FIFPRO were working with Football Australia and outside experts, and that assessments before each camp remained essential.
The disruption has already reached club football. AFP reported that Al Nassr's Asian Champions League match was delayed by an hour on Monday after the Saudi-led military coalition said it intercepted a Houthi missile aimed at Riyadh. Cristiano Ronaldo plays for the Saudi club.
Australia's next scheduled preparations include Qatar in Doha on November 13 and Jordan in Amman on November 17, local dates confirmed by Football Australia. Its official announcement lists Singapore, Iraq and Tajikistan as Group D opponents, with the opening Asian Cup game against Singapore on January 9. Security reviews therefore cover both the November trip and January tournament.
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