OCAC underlines importance of world-class #AsianCup2027 delivery standards
Riyadh: With just under 450 days to go to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, the Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) has today praised the meticulous planning undertaken to stage the best edition of the Continent’s premier men’s competition, which will be held in the Kingdom from January 7 to February 5.
Leading the fourth OCAC meeting in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. underlined his confidence in the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to set new benchmarks of excellence across all areas.
Members of the Committee received a comprehensive update from the LOC on the key milestones and deliverables leading up to the tournament and were pleased to note the commendable developments achieved thus far to stage a spectacular event for all stakeholders.
Chairperson Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as amongst the leading destinations not only for football, but also for global sport and credit must go to the strong leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for delivering on its bold vision.
“This will be the first time that the Kingdom will host Asia’s premier men’s national team competition and from the infrastructure preparations as well as the vibrant calendar of events in the pipeline, it is clear that the foundations are now firmly in place to deliver a truly historic edition in 2027.”
Members of the Committee were impressed by the progress of the top-class venues poised to welcome Asia’s elite with Riyadh’s King Saud University Stadium and Kingdom Arena already in operation and the Al Shabab Stadium also close to adhering to the AFC’s requirements. Meanwhile, the capital’s two remaining venues, the King Fahd Sports City – which will be inspected by Chairperson Araneta on Thursday – and the Al Imam University Stadium are expected to be fully operational by November 2026.
Similarly, in Jeddah, the iconic King Abdullah Sports City and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium are both operationally ready, while in the third host city, the Al Khobar Stadium is expected to be completed by June next year.
Chairperson Araneta added: “The LOC’s attention to detail has been truly remarkable and on behalf of the OCAC, I want to express our gratitude to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ LOC and the SAFF for their steadfast commitment to delivering a world-class showpiece.”
The Committee also approved the latest version of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Competition Regulations, with the amendment to allow all 26 players in the final registration to be eligible for each match amongst the most notable enhancements.
