Salman Al Khalifa: There is no change regarding the Asian Cup... and our confidence is great in Saudi Arabia

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Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, renewed his full confidence in Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 2027 Asian Cup Finals, stressing that all preparations and equipment are proceeding according to the approved plans and timetables, without any change to the hosting arrangements at the present time.

Sheikh Salman said in a statement to the German News Agency (DPA): We are in constant communication and coordination with the Saudi Football Association and the local organizing committee for the Asian Cup (Saudi Arabia 2027), and we are following with interest the various stages of preparations, and we feel very happy about the positive reports that we constantly receive, which reflect the volume of work and efforts made by our brothers in Saudi Arabia, and strengthen our confidence in their ability to present an exceptional and successful version of the continental championship.

He added: Saudi Arabia has organizational capabilities, advanced infrastructure, and great experience in hosting international sporting events, and we are confident that the 2027 Asian Cup will be a distinguished milestone in the history of the tournament, reflecting the growing status of Asian football.

In response to a question about the possibility of developments that might affect the tournament arrangements, Sheikh Salman explained that talking about such possibilities is premature, and stressed that the AFC’s current priority is to continue working in accordance with the approved operational plans, and to ensure that all preparations for holding the tournament are completed on the specified date.

He said: Our focus today is on the continuation of all operational plans and programs to host the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, and there are currently no developments that require changing the existing arrangements.

He continued: Of course, the AFC monitors all surrounding circumstances and always deals responsibly and flexibly with various circumstances, and will remain open to studying all options that guarantee the continuity and success of the tournament, if future developments require it, and any decisions that will be taken in this regard will be in full coordination and cooperation between the AFC and the Saudi side.

He concluded his statements by emphasizing that the Asian Football Confederation is confidently looking forward to holding the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, praising the close cooperation and great efforts made by the concerned authorities to ensure the organization of a tournament worthy of the status of Asian football and the aspirations of its fans.

It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 Asian Cup finals, from January 7 to February 5, 2027, with the participation of 24 Asian teams.