"Japan has already withdrawn from the Saudi tournament" With less than three months left until the Asian Cup, a missile attack on Riyadh airport... player anxiety spreads → AFC refuses to respond

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

With less than three months remaining until the opening of the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, safety concerns in host country Saudi Arabia have emerged as a new variable. International worries are growing following a missile attack targeting Riyadh International Airport.

The British newspaper The Guardian reported on the 13th (Korean time), "New safety concerns have been raised regarding the 2027 Saudi Asian Cup following the missile attack in Riyadh."

It further explained, "Top-tier Asian men's soccer players are tense as they face the prospect of heading to conflict-affected Saudi Arabia for the Asian Cup next January."

The 2027 Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia from its opening on January 7 next year through February 5.

The issue is that Riyadh, a key host city for the tournament, has recently been under direct threat.

Over the past few days, Yemen's Houthi rebels have carried out multiple missile attacks toward Riyadh International Airport. It is reported that more than 10 people were killed and hundreds were injured in the process.

Of the eight stadiums for the entire Asian Cup, a whopping five are located in Riyadh. From the opening match between host Saudi Arabia and Palestine to the final, all will be held in Riyadh. A total of 31 matches are scheduled in Riyadh alone.

Other host regions are also not safe. Al Qobar, located in eastern Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf, is also an area that was threatened during this year's conflict between Iran and the United States. Seven Asian Cup matches, including the Australia-Singapore game, will be held here as well.

For this reason, impacts have already begun to appear on international sporting events held in Saudi Arabia.

The Japan Football Association (JFA) withdrew its participation in the FIFAe World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia at the end of this month.

The JFA announced, "After comprehensively evaluating available information regarding the host country's current situation and safety and security, we decided not to participate."

Soccer matches were also not free from missile threats.

An Asian Champions League match for Al Nassr, featuring 'superstar' Cristiano Ronaldo, had its kickoff delayed by about an hour on the 12th in Riyadh after a safety alert was issued before the start of the game.

At the time, the Saudi-led military coalition announced that it had intercepted missiles launched by Houthi rebels toward Riyadh.

Australia, which must play A-matches (international friendlies) in the Middle East this November, is also on edge.

The Australian national team is scheduled to face Qatar and others in Doha, Qatar, during the November A-match period.

The Football Federation Australia stated, "We are closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia," adding, "The safety and welfare of players, staff, and fans are paramount. We will critically examine risk assessments ahead of the Asian Cup in January."

The Australian government is also advising that it "continues to recommend reconsidering the necessity of travel in light of Saudi Arabia's security situation."

Thus, concerns about player safety are growing ahead of the Asian Cup.

Bo Bush, President of FIFPRO (Fédération Internationale des Footballeurs Professionnels) Asia-Oceania, emphasized, "The safety of players, fans, and staff must be the top priority and should be considered most centrally in the planning and operation of the AFC Asian Cup."

He further stated, "Risk assessments will be conducted before team call-ups for Mo Deun (CEO)," adding, "Given that the security situation continues to change, such assessments will be extremely important even ahead of the Asian Cup."

However, the AFC has not yet released a specific stance. The Guardian reported, "The AFC refused to comment on Tuesday despite players' concerns."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original