The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the relocation of several Women’s Asian Cup qualifying matches due to escalating geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East, citing security concerns for players, officials, and fans.
Originally scheduled to take place in countries including Jordan and Iraq, the affected fixtures will now be hosted in neutral venues across Southeast Asia and Central Asia. The AFC did not specify the exact locations, but sources indicate that Malaysia, Uzbekistan, and India are among the proposed alternative hosts.
“The safety and well-being of everyone involved in the tournament is our highest priority,” the AFC said in a statement on Thursday. “Given the evolving security situation in the region, we have made the difficult decision to relocate matches in consultation with local football associations and security advisers.”
Tensions have intensified in recent weeks following cross-border incidents and escalating military activity in several parts of the Middle East, leading to concerns about the safety of international sporting events. While the AFC did not directly reference specific countries, regional analysts point to growing instability along the Iran-Iraq border and unrest in parts of Syria and Lebanon as contributing factors.
The affected qualifiers are part of the road to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, a tournament that continues to gain prominence amid growing investment in women’s football across Asia. Teams impacted by the venue changes include national sides from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Bahrain, among others.
Reactions from the football community have been mixed. While many national associations have welcomed the AFC’s proactive decision, others have raised concerns about the logistical and financial burden of relocating on short notice.
“Our team had already made arrangements for training and travel,” said a spokesperson for the Jordan Football Association. “The change is understandable, but it’s disruptive.”
Despite the challenges, AFC officials expressed confidence in delivering a successful qualification campaign. Revised fixtures and new venue details are expected to be finalized and announced within the coming days.
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