Next year’s AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed due to security concerns.
It leaves a question over the future of coach Tony Popovic whose contract expires early next year, as he intended to make a call post-tournament.
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Australia was among the nations set to take part in the tournament, that was due to start on January 7 and run until February 5.
However, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that the event would now start on December 23 next year and finish on January 21, 2028, with the new dates subject to FIFA approval.
“The organising 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, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions,” an AFC statement said.
“The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval.
“Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
“The AFC will continue to work closely with the LOC (local organising committee), participating member associations and its valued sponsors and broadcast and commercial partners and all stakeholders to stage a showpiece befitting the stature and operational excellence synonymous with Asia’s most prestigious men’s national team competition, while minimising the impact of the postponement.”
Several sites in Saudi Arabia have come under recently with a strike on Riyadh’s international airport last month killing at least 12 people and wounding more than 300.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack,
A Football Australian spokesman last week said that the sport’s national governing body had been “closely monitoring” the situation in the Middle East.
“The safety and well-being of our players, staff and supporters remains paramount,” the spokesman said.
Players’ union Professional Footballers Australia said “the safety of players, fans and staff must be the priority and the central consideration in the planning and delivery of the AFC Asian Cup”.
The Socceroos are due to play games this month in Qatar and Jordan, with the squad to be announced on Friday.