Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia stays on track as safety fears grow amid Middle East conflict

According to AP, the Saudi organizing committee issued a statement Friday saying it is continuing to coordinate closely with the Asian Football Confederation.[2] Saudi organizers said "preparations across all organizational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule."[2] AP reports that the tournament is scheduled for Jan. 7-Feb. 5.[3]AP reports that at least 19 people, including foreigners, have been killed in more than a week of Houthi attacks targeting the Riyadh international airport, the headquarters of Saudi oil giant Aramco[2] and other sites in the kingdom.According to AP, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa told media in Zurich this week that — if necessary — the Asian Cup could be postponed by one year.[1] AP quotes Salman as saying "We can wait until the end of November"[1] to decide.AP reports that South Korea's Professional Footballers' Association had earlier expressed concerns[4] after the attacks. A union official named Lee told AP that "no competition's value can take precedence over the lives and safety of players and football fans."[2]Tempo, citing ANTARA, reports that FIFPRO Asia-Oceania President Beau Bush expressed his organization's concern about the conflict's impact in the region.[5]AP reports that the WTA Finals was moved from Riyadh to Indian Wells, California[1], and that a BMX cycling qualifying event in Saudi Arabia for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was canceled.[1]