RIYADH, 16 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup remain on schedule to be held in Saudi Arabia early next year, local organisers said on Friday, despite uncertainty surrounding sporting events in the kingdom following recent attacks. According to Reuters, a strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, with Yemen’s Houthi movement claiming responsibility for the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade. Asian Football Confederation President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said earlier this week that postponing the tournament until 2028 remained a possibility if necessary. However, the local organising committee (LOC) reaffirmed its commitment to the original schedule, with matches planned from January 7 to February 5, 2027. In a statement, the committee said preparations across organisational and operational areas were progressing according to the approved timetable, including work on venues, facilities and supporting services. It added that developments relevant to the tournament would continue to be monitored to ensure appropriate conditions for its successful staging. The recent attacks have already affected Saudi Arabia’s sporting calendar, with the Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament moved from October to December. Meanwhile, FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 on Thursday until a future date that has yet to be announced.