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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape

Australia urged to offer to host 2027 Asian Cup amid uncertainty over Saudi Arabia event

Max Balard of Australia celebrates with Socceroos teammates after scoring a goal
Australia has been urged to step in as emergency host of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup amid concerns for the tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia from January. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Australia has been urged to offer itself as an emergency host for the men’s Asian Cup in January, as the conflict in the Middle East casts doubt over whether the continent’s most prestigious football tournament can go ahead in Saudi Arabia.

The draw for the 2027 Asian Cup was due to be held on Saturday in Riyadh, but the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) postponed the event two weeks ago “to ensure the undisrupted attendance of all stakeholders at the final draw ceremony”.

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