Amid Unrest in Saudi Arabia, AFC Asian Cup Could Be Delayed by a Year

As instability mounts in the Middle East, projections have emerged that the AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia next January, could be postponed by a year.

Disruption has also become inevitable for the South Korean national team's away friendly matches in the Middle East next month.

Attending the FIFA Council, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa addressed the recent unstable security situation in the Middle East, stating, "The situation could improve very quickly or get worse," and adding that the Asian Cup slated to be held in Saudi Arabia next January could be delayed by a year.

Red flags have been raised for the South Korean national team, which had been preparing for an away friendly match in Saudi Arabia next month in preparation for the Asian Cup.

The Korea Football Association is considering relocating the match to another country in the Middle East.

(Video Editing: Hwang Ji-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.