The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has announced the postponement of domestic league fixtures scheduled for the coming week, attributing the decision to a broader review of the tournament schedule after the 2027 AFC Asian Cup was officially rescheduled amid security concerns in the kingdom.

According to statements released by the league, the revised dates for the continental championship purportedly offer additional flexibility for the domestic calendar. The 24-team tournament, initially slated for early 2027, has now been pushed back to late December following a series of high-security incidents, including deadly attacks on Riyadh’s international airport that severely rattled the region.

The safety situation in Saudi Arabia has grown increasingly precarious, forcing football authorities to repeatedly adjust schedules. Last month, an elite AFC Champions League clash in Riyadh was abruptly delayed after civil defense authorities issued urgent safety warnings just minutes before kickoff due to the looming threat of missile attacks.

SPL officials stated that new dates for the affected matchweek will be announced only after the comprehensive fixture review is concluded. Observers note that these persistent disruptions highlight ongoing logistical and security vulnerabilities affecting high-profile sporting events in the region.

Source: www.aljazeera.com