On October 13, The Guardian reported that recent missile attacks on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have renewed external concerns about security for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

FIFPRO (International Federation of Professional Footballers) is continuously monitoring the local situation, and relevant organizations, such as Football Australia, are also assessing security risks. With the tournament set to begin next January, Saudi Arabia's ability to guarantee the safety of players, fans, and staff has become a key concern for all parties.

In recent days, Houthi rebels have launched multiple missile attacks against Riyadh International Airport, causing more than a dozen deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Of the eight stadiums for this Asian Cup, five are located in Riyadh. Host nation Saudi Arabia will face Palestine in the opening match on January 7. A total of 31 matches, including the final on February 5, are scheduled to be held in Riyadh.

Earlier this year, during the Iran-United States conflict, Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region also faced security threats. Al Khobar, a city on the Persian Gulf coast, was also affected and will host seven Asian Cup matches, including Australia's match against Singapore on January 9.

As the situation evolves, security concerns are growing across Asia regarding travel to Saudi Arabia for the tournament. The Japan Football Association has already announced its withdrawal from the FIFAe Nations Cup, originally scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia later this month. The JFA stated that this decision was made following "a comprehensive assessment of the current situation in the host country and available security information."

Bo Busch, FIFPRO's president for Asia/Oceania, stated in a statement that the organization expresses its concern for all those affected by the regional conflict while acknowledging players' concerns about the upcoming Asian Cup.

He said: "The safety of players, fans, and staff must be prioritized and a central consideration in the planning and organization of the Asian Cup."

Currently, Al Nassr, which includes Cristiano Ronaldo, is managed by Postecoglou. On Monday, an AFC Champions League match for Al Nassr was delayed by one hour. This occurred after a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition announced it had intercepted a missile fired by Houthi rebels toward Riyadh.

Busch is also chief executive of Professional Footballers Australia. The Australian national team also plans to travel to the region during the November international window to play Qatar in Doha and Jordan in Amman.

Busch stated: "Through Professional Footballers Australia and the global players' organization FIFPRO, we have been continuously monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with Football Australia and external experts."

He added: "We conduct risk assessments before each national team camp. Given the constantly evolving security situation in the region, conducting relevant assessments before the Asian Cup will remain crucial."

"We will continue working with all relevant parties to ensure that the safety and physical and mental wellbeing of players remain always prioritized before the Asian Cup next January and the upcoming international friendly matches in November."

Football Australia stated that it is "closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia" and emphasized that "the safety and wellbeing of players, staff, and fans remain always paramount." The association also noted that risk assessments will be a key focus before the Asian Cup begins next January.

A Football Australia spokesperson said: "We have been in regular contact with Professional Footballers Australia and will continue to communicate with the Asian Football Confederation regarding the tournament's organizational plans, guided by advice provided by the Australian government."

The Australian government's travel safety website, Smartraveller, updated its information on Monday. The website stated: "Given the security situation in Saudi Arabia, we continue to advise people to reconsider the need to travel to the country."

Despite concerns expressed by players, the AFC declined to comment on the matter on Tuesday.

Traducido por IA.

¡El sitio web de AF ya está disponible! Consulta noticias, comentarios, detalles de partidos y estadísticas en tu ordenador. Visita: www.allfootballapp.com