Saudi Pro League postpones matches after Asian Cup rescheduling
League delays matches after revised Asian Cup dates create 'additional flexibility in the domestic football calendar'.
Key points
- Saudi Pro League postponed next week's matches after the AFC Asian Cup 2027 was rescheduled.
- The Asian Cup moves from January-February 2027 to December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
- The SPL said new dates for matchweek 13 will be announced once its schedule review is complete.
The Saudi Pro League has postponed matches scheduled for the coming week after the AFC Asian Cup 2027 was rescheduled, the league said. The SPL announced the decision on Tuesday, two days before the match week was due to start.
The Asian Cup was moved to December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, from its original dates of January 7 to February 5. The change was announced earlier the same day after recent attacks on the kingdom.
Why the league acted
The SPL said the postponement was part of a wider review of the 2026-27 fixture schedule, with the revised Asian Cup dates creating more flexibility in the domestic calendar. It said new dates for matchweek 13 will be announced once the review is complete.
The SPL has rescheduled several league games this season for logistical reasons. Last month, an AFC Champions League Elite match in Riyadh between Al-Nassr and Al Wasl was postponed due to a threat of missile attacks, and kickoff was delayed after a Civil Defence safety warning.
New dates for matchweek 13 will be announced once the review is complete.
— Saudi Pro League
Attacks behind the change
Asian football's governing body said the rescheduling followed extensive discussions and close consultation with the Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
An attack on Riyadh's international airport last month killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300, with Yemen's Houthis claiming responsibility. Further attacks on the airport within a week killed at least five more people.
