Australia ‘closely monitoring’ after attacks on AFC Asian Cup 2027 host Saudi Arabia
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr had its Asian Champions League match delayed by an hour on Monday after the Saudi-led military coalition said it had intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr had its Asian Champions League match delayed by an hour on Monday after the Saudi-led military coalition said it had intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Football Australia told AFP on Tuesday it was “closely monitoring” the situation in 2027 Asian Cup host Saudi Arabia following attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr had its Asian Champions League match delayed by an hour on Monday after the Saudi-led military coalition said it had intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia, which is due to host Asia’s continental showpiece in January and February, has recently come under a series of attacks from the group, including strikes on oil facilities, tankers and transport hubs.
There have also been deadly hits on Riyadh’s international airport.
ALSO READ | Missile threat in Riyadh delays Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s Champions League game by an hour
With kickoff to the 24-team Asian Cup less than three months away, Football Australia said it was “closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia”.
“The safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and supporters remains paramount,” a spokesperson told AFP.
“Our experienced security team is actively monitoring developments and providing regular updates. Risk assessment is part of our planning for every national team camp, and it will be a key focus of our preparations for January.”
Australian football authorities are in contact with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) “regarding its plans for the tournament”, the spokesperson said.
AFP has approached regional football governing body the AFC for comment.
The Asian Cup is scheduled to begin on January 7 and take place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
Published on Oct 13, 2026
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