Major tournament postponed for 11 months as extraordinary decision confirmed in statement

The Asian Cup in 2027 in Saudi Arabia has been pushed back 11 months with the final now not taking place until 2028 due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

An announcement, which had been mooted for weeks, has come from the organisers who have confirmed a new start date on December 23 next year. The tournament will culminate on January 21.

The proposed new dates must still be approved by FIFA, but having Saudi Arabia as the hosts had become increasingly unviable in light of the Riyadh airport attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Nations who were scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia during the November international window had been forced to relocate their friendlies as a result - and the tough decision has now been made.

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A statement read: "The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval.

"Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the Competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

"The AFC commends Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their commitment to delivering a world-class tournament for the Continent’s players and fans.

"The AFC will continue to work closely with the LOC, Participating Member Associations and its valued sponsors and broadcast and commercial partners and all stakeholders to stage a showpiece befitting the stature and operational excellence synonymous with Asia’s most prestigious men’s national team competition, while minimising the impact of the postponement."

A number of Premier League players were expected to be in the tournament, meaning they would have missed a large chunk of the current campaign.

But now the likes of Aston Villa keeper ZIon Suzuki, Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo and Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka will remain with their clubs.

Qatar are the defending Asian Cup champions have won the last two editions - the most recent of which came on home soil in 2023. Saudi Arabia's last Asian Cup success came in 1996, when they won the tournament on penalties.

The ongoing conflict has continued to impact a number of sports - not just football. The Formula 1 season usually ends with a race around Abu Dhabi but the sport's bosses have had to consider the prospect of moving their finale elsewhere. As a result Imola in Europe has been lined up as an alternative.