Politics · Singapore Bureau
Saudi Arabia's hosting of 2025 Asian Cup faces security challenges, says Japan FA
Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has raised concerns about Saudi Arabia's ability to stage the continental championship as planned, citing the country's current security environment.
LSN Singapore ·
The head of Japan's football governing body has cast doubt on whether Saudi Arabia can successfully host the AFC Asian Cup in 2025 as scheduled, citing ongoing security concerns in the kingdom.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto made the remarks on Friday, pointing to the regional security situation as a potential impediment to the tournament's smooth execution. The Asian Cup, one of football's premier continental championships, is slated to take place in Saudi Arabia next year.
The tournament, which typically draws teams and supporters from across Asia, requires extensive security arrangements and operational preparations. Miyamoto's comments suggest that current conditions in the Middle Eastern nation may complicate these preparations, though he stopped short of calling for a relocation of the event.
The AFC Asian Cup is scheduled to feature 24 teams competing for the continental title. Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the host nation for the 2025 edition, marking a significant milestone for football development in the kingdom. No official statement has been issued by tournament organisers or the Asian Football Confederation regarding the security concerns raised by the Japan FA president.