Football Australia is closely monitoring security risks in Saudi Arabia as fresh attacks raise doubts over the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The governing body is prioritising the safety of the Socceroos squad, staff and travelling supporters with the tournament scheduled to begin in January.
A Football Australia spokesman said the organisation is watching developments after Houthi rebel attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over the weekend. Saudi officials reported the strikes killed at least 14 people and wounded more than 300. "Football Australia is closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia," the spokesman said. "The safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and supporters remains paramount."
Tournament timing in doubt
The Asian Cup is due to kick off on 7 January across venues in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. With the city's major airport closed until 17 October and airlines like Etihad and Qatar Airways postponing flights, the Asian Football Confederation faces complex logistical challenges. It is considered unlikely the AFC would relocate the tournament at short notice. A more probable scenario, if conflict does not ease in coming months, would be a 12-month postponement to January 2028.
Such a delay would have significant knock-on effects. Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has a contract with Football Australia until the 2027 tournament, and it is unclear if his deal would be extended. The team's recent form shows a draw and a loss against Brazil in September, with their next competitive fixture an away match against Qatar on 13 November.
Player safety the priority
Beau Busch, chief executive of the Professional Footballers Australia union, echoed the safety concerns. "The safety of players, fans and staff must be the priority and the central consideration in the planning and delivery of the AFC Asian Cup," Busch said. The PFA and global union FIFPRO are engaged with Football Australia and external experts, conducting risk assessments ahead of all national team camps.
Australian authorities have recent experience handling regional tensions. The Joeys under-17 side travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Under-17 Asian Cup in May, with the tournament proceeding after extensive security briefings for players and parents. Football Australia security experts are already conducting assessments for the senior team's upcoming travel to Doha and Amman in November.
The situation is being watched globally, with Saudi Arabia also slated to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Other sports have been impacted, with Formula One cancelling Jeddah's Grand Prix in April and the World Rally Championship dropping its Saudi event. South Korea's federation is also reviewing scenarios for a planned November friendly in the country.
Football Australia is in contact with the AFC regarding its tournament plans. The Socceroos' last outing was a 4-2 defeat to Brazil on 29 September, with Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe on the scoresheet. The team's current standings in World Cup qualifying are unaffected, but planning for the Asian Cup remains a fluid process centred on security assurances.
Background and full detail: espn.com
