Australia has been urged to offer itself as an emergency host for the men’s Asian Cup in January, with uncertainty growing over whether the continent’s most important football tournament can safely go ahead in Saudi Arabia.
The call comes as the conflict in the Middle East continues to spread, adding pressure on organisers and raising fresh concerns about the 2027 edition of the tournament. Former Socceroo Craig Foster has called for government backing of an Australian Football Association bid, arguing that Australia should be ready to step in if needed.
The Asian Football Confederation had been due to hold the draw for the 2027 Asian Cup on Saturday in Riyadh. However, the AFC postponed the event two weeks ago, saying it did so “to ensure the undisrupted attendance of all stakeholders at the final draw ceremony”.
The postponement has further fuelled uncertainty around the tournament’s preparations. While Saudi Arabia is still the designated host, the wider regional situation has prompted discussion about contingency plans and whether an alternative venue might be required if conditions worsen.
Foster’s intervention reflects growing concern within football circles about the implications of the conflict for a major international competition. Australia, which successfully staged the Asian Cup in 2015, is seen by some as a credible back-up option because of its infrastructure, experience and established role in the Asian football landscape.
The 2027 tournament remains several months away, but the delay to the draw has already become a significant development. Organisers had been expected to use the Riyadh event to set the framework for the competition, giving teams and supporters a clearer picture of the path ahead.
For now, the AFC has only said that the draw has been delayed. No further details have been provided about whether the tournament itself could be moved, or whether any contingency host discussions are underway.
Australia’s possible involvement would depend on a decision by football authorities and, Foster argues, active support from the federal government. His comments add to mounting pressure on officials to consider how best to respond if the situation in the Middle East continues to affect the event.
As matters stand, Saudi Arabia remains the host of the 2027 Asian Cup. But with the draw postponed and the regional conflict deepening, attention is increasingly turning to whether Australia should put itself forward as a fallback option.
