Amid growing concerns surrounding the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia due to instability in the Middle East, the tournament's organizing committee has announced that preparations are proceeding as planned.

AFP reported that the Asian Cup organizing committee stated in a statement on October 16 that preparation work is continuing in close cooperation with the AFC and relevant stakeholders.

The organizing committee said, "We are making every effort to secure the necessary resources to host a tournament that reflects the ambitions and standards of the host country, Saudi Arabia." It added, "At the same time, we continue to monitor unfolding developments regarding the tournament and are establishing the conditions for a successful hosting."

This stance is consistent with recent remarks made by AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

Meeting with reporters in Zurich, Switzerland, where the FIFA Council meeting was held, AFC President Al Khalifa mentioned the possibility of the tournament being postponed by a year while maintaining a cautious position, saying, "However, for now, we are monitoring the situation, and everything is proceeding as planned."

In Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport in the capital city of Riyadh was struck by a missile attack presumed to have been carried out by Houthi rebels on October 10, leaving 13 people dead and over 300 injured.

The following day, an unidentified projectile hit the airport terminal, resulting in further casualties.

The Asian Cup is scheduled to take place across three Saudi cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar—from January 7 to February 5 next year.

As the tournament's hosting becomes uncertain, the Korea Football Association (KFA) is keeping a close watch on the situation.

The South Korean national team had planned to play two away friendly matches in Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, during the November A-match window to prepare for the Asian Cup.

If the Asian Cup is postponed, the interim coaching system under Robert Moreno (Spain) could also conclude with the November A-matches.

The KFA signed a contract with manager Moreno through November 27, which includes a condition to entrust him with the helm through next year's Asian Cup depending on the results of six A-matches played from September to November.

(Photo courtesy of AFC, Yonhap News)