Middle East conflict threatens Korea's Asian Cup preparations as Saudi sports ambitions hang in the balance

The Korea JoongAng Daily reports that the tournament is scheduled to kick off on Jan. 7, 2027, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is pressing ahead with preparations while monitoring the situation through the end of November.[1]The Associated Press reports that AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa told media in Zurich that "if necessary — the Asian Cup could be postponed by one year."[2] Salman said, "we could move it back a year to 2028 if we need to."[2]According to the AP, Saudi organisers said that "preparations across all organizational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule."[2]The AP reports that at least 19 people, including foreigners, have been killed in more than a week of Houthi attacks[2] on Saudi facilities. Lee Keun-ho, head of South Korea's player union, said in a statement that "no competition's value can take precedence over the lives and safety of players and football fans."[2]The JoongAng Daily reports that the Korea Football Association had planned November friendlies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and is now reportedly considering holding both matches in Qatar[1], which is also under a Level 3 Korean travel advisory.According to the JoongAng Daily, the Saudi International golf tournament on the Asian Tour, the Esports World Cup and the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition have all been postponed[1]. The paper also reports that plans to build stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup are also facing uncertainty.[1]