Six Kings Slam moved to 27-30 December and FIFAe Finals postponed after Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition in Riyadh has moved from 21-24 October to 27-30 December 2026, and FIFA has postponed its FIFAe Finals in Jeddah, as sport in Saudi Arabia reacts to Saturday's Houthi strike on Riyadh's international airport, which killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. Business Recorder, carrying Reuters, and ARY News reported the changes.

Six Kings Slam: new dates

Defending champion Jannik Sinner had already pulled out injured. The organisers cited the recent attacks on the kingdom, "organizational and logistical challenges" and the experience of spectators. The exhibition is not part of the ATP tour and carries no ranking points, but its prize money is among the largest in tennis.

FIFAe Finals postponed

FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026, due in Jeddah from 16 to 25 October, after an "assessment of recent developments in the region". No new dates were given; further announcements will come "in due course". Japan and Brazil had already withdrawn their teams on Saturday, and Football Australia said its security team was watching the situation.

Asian Cup 2027: on schedule, for now

The AFC Asian Cup is due to start on 7 January 2027, with 24 teams at eight venues in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said there was "no hurry" to decide, that the confederation could wait until the end of November, and that the tournament could move back a year to 2028 if needed, though "everything is on schedule". The Korea Football Association is in contact with the AFC.

What else is on

• Golf: the Asian Tour is monitoring security before the Saudi International in Riyadh next month.
• Boxing: Canelo Alvarez against Christian Mbilli is still set for 31 October in Riyadh, according to the organisers (our earlier report).

For Pakistani fans and travellers

Riyadh's airport closure has already cancelled flights from Pakistan; see what it means for PIA passengers and Umrah pilgrims. If you booked for a Saudi sporting event, check with the organiser before you fly. For the December dates, our currency converter gives the riyal rate in rupees.