The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia is hosting, by nearly a year, VOV English reports. The tournament, originally scheduled for 7 January to 5 February 2027, is now planned for 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, still subject to FIFA approval.
The AFC announced the decision on 3 November after consulting the organising committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. It cited "exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region" that caused logistical difficulties and disrupted travel, and said air travel to Riyadh was significantly disrupted in October. It said the move protects the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
Vietnam were drawn in Group E. Under the original schedule they were to play the UAE on 11 January and South Korea on 15 January in Riyadh, then Yemen on 20 January in Jeddah. The AFC's announcement gave only the tournament's revised dates, so new dates for Vietnam's group matches have not been released, and the team will need to adjust its preparations once the schedule is confirmed.
Sources
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