Leeds United, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday players to stay put as 2027 Asian Cup postponed
An international tournament development has ensured Leeds United, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday will not lose players in January
Leeds United, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday will not lose any players to Asian Cup duty in January as the tournament has been postponed.
The 24-team tournament was due to kick off on January 7 and run until February 5, but will now run from December 23, 2027, until January 21, 2028.
The decision to postpone the tournament has been made in light of attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement on three airports in Riyadh, the capital of host nation Saudi Arabia, last month.
Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka was likely to feature for Japan at the tournament and may have been joined by Hull’s Hidemasa Morita. The Tigers may have also had to do without defender Lucas Herrington, who represents Australia.
Sheffield Wednesday, meanwhile, have Iraq international forward Ali Al-Hamadi on loan from Ipswich Town.
Asian Cup postponed
A spokesperson for the tournament said: “Following extensive discussions and close consultation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the upcoming edition of Asia’s crown jewel, originally to be held from January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
“The organising committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval.
“Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the Competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
“The AFC commends SAFF and the LOC for their commitment to delivering a world-class tournament for the Continent’s players and fans.
“The AFC will continue to work closely with the LOC, Participating Member Associations and its valued sponsors and broadcast and commercial partners and all stakeholders to stage a showpiece befitting the stature and operational excellence synonymous with Asia’s most prestigious men’s national team competition, while minimising the impact of the postponement. Further updates will be communicated through the AFC’s official channels.”