In the wake of a recent attack on a Saudi Arabian airport, questions have surfaced about the viability of hosting the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup as planned. Despite these concerns, the tournament organizing committee is pressing ahead with preparations, including processing visa requests for Korean media officers.
A Korea Football Association (KFA) official, designated as an Asian Cup media officer, informed News1 on Tuesday that they had received official communication from the organizing committee to register as a media officer and apply for a visa. The official confirmed that they have since successfully obtained their Saudi visa and been assigned a work location.
Media officers are responsible for handling promotional activities, media relations, and managing official press conferences throughout the tournament.
The organizing committee’s proactive approach in registering media officers, facilitating visa issuances, and assigning work locations indicates their commitment to preparing for the tournament according to the original timeline.
Administrative procedures for media coverage have also kicked off.
The organizing committee has announced plans to launch a dedicated media registration site, accepting coverage applications until November 30.
The 2027 Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5 next year, spanning three Saudi Arabian cities, including Riyadh, with matches held across eight stadiums.
However, recent security concerns in Saudi Arabia have cast a shadow over the tournament’s smooth execution.
Saudi authorities reported that a recent attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in multiple casualties. The subsequent disruptions to airport operations have raised alarm bells about the safety and logistics for participating teams, officials, and fans.
Adding to the uncertainty, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa suggested during a International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) council meeting that postponing the tournament by a year could be an option if necessary.
Despite these challenges, the organizing committee remains steadfast in its commitment to hosting the tournament.
In an official statement, the committee emphasized ongoing consultations with the AFC and relevant authorities, asserting that tournament preparations are progressing as per the approved schedule.
The committee’s recent actions, including issuing visas to media officers, assigning work locations, and initiating press registration procedures, underscore their intention to stick to the planned schedule.
The fate of the Asian Cup holds particular significance for the South Korean national team, which is eyeing its first championship in 67 years, having last clinched the title in 1960.
A KFA spokesperson stated that there have been no indications that the tournament cannot proceed. They emphasized that player safety and security remain the top priority, and that they are in constant dialogue with the AFC on these matters.
