TOKYO - The Asian Football Confederation announced Tuesday the Asian Cup originally scheduled for early next year in Saudi Arabia has been postponed and will start instead in December 2027.
A number of sporting events and international conferences in the region have been postponed or canceled in recent weeks amid the ongoing unrest in Saudi Arabia, which has come under attack by Yemen's Houthi group.
The continental tournament was set to be held between Jan. 7 and Feb. 5 next year but has been pushed back to kick off on Dec. 23 and end on Jan. 21, 2028, the AFC said.
"The Organizing 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," its statement read.
There are "substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions," it said, adding the new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu, who led the Samurai Blue to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the last 32 at this summer's tournament in North America, had signed a short-term deal until the Asian Cup to conclude his eight year-plus tenure.
Japan have won the Asian Cup a record four times, in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011.
