Riyadh, 03 November (H.S.): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a revised schedule for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, postponing the prestigious tournament from its originally scheduled dates of January 7 to February 5, 2027. The competition will now be held from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the AFC said the decision was taken following extensive discussions and consultations with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the tournament's Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The schedule has been revised in view of the exceptional circumstances prevailing in the region, along with logistical challenges and travel-related constraints. The revised dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval.

According to the AFC, organising the competition within the originally announced timeframe had become difficult under the prevailing circumstances. The postponement was therefore considered necessary, taking into account the interests of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

The continental governing body also commended the SAFF and the Local Organising Committee for their continued commitment to hosting a world-class tournament in Saudi Arabia.

The AFC said it would continue working closely with the organising committee, participating Member Associations, sponsors, broadcasters and commercial partners to ensure the successful staging of Asia's premier men's national-team football competition.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar