The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, moving the tournament to December 2027 and January 2028 because of regional developments that have caused logistical challenges and travel disruptions.

The competition, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, subject to approval by FIFA.

The decision followed discussions between the AFC, the tournament’s Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).

The AFC said exceptional circumstances affecting preparations and the delivery of the tournament had prompted the change, which was made in the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

The governing body did not provide further details about the specific regional disruptions behind the decision.

The AFC thanked Saudi Arabia’s football federation and the organising committee for their continued commitment to hosting the competition.

It also said it would work with participating national associations, sponsors, broadcasters and commercial partners to minimise the impact of the revised schedule.

The tournament will remain in Saudi Arabia, with further updates to be communicated through the AFC’s official channels.

Suhail, inspired by one of the brightest stars in the night sky and deeply rooted in Gulf heritage, has been unveiled as the official mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which will be held in Doha, Qatar.

The announcement comes less than a year before the start of the tournament, the flagship competition of international men’s basketball.

Known as Canopus in Western culture, the Suhail star has guided sailors, nomads and pearl divers across the Gulf region for centuries. It has traditionally been associated with the transition from the intense summer heat to cooler temperatures and more comfortable evenings.

The star holds a special place in Qatari and Gulf traditions, symbolizing the region’s connection with the sea, desert and its cultural heritage.

According to the organizers, the mascot has been designed with inspiration from meteorites. Its crystalline body combines fragments of a star with meteorite metal, representing a connection between the sky and earth, strength and brilliance.

Suhail is expected to play a key role in promoting the tournament and engaging basketball fans of all ages as Qatar prepares to host the 2027 edition. The star is also expected to be visible in the night sky during the competition.

Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications and Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee, said the unveiling marks an important milestone in preparations for the tournament.

He said Suhail reflects Qatar’s cultural identity and rich heritage, while symbolizing the country’s connection to its past and aspirations for the future.

Al Mawlawi added that the mascot will help strengthen engagement with fans and promote the competition in the months ahead.

He also said organizers aim to extend the tournament experience beyond the basketball court, encouraging younger generations to take up the sport and supporting the growth of basketball in Qatar and across the region.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will bring together national teams from around the world in Doha, with Suhail serving as the face of the tournament.

Harry Kane completed his long quest for football’s highest individual honour on Monday, with the Bayern Munich and England striker winning the Ballon d’Or after a record-breaking season that cemented his status as one of the game’s greatest goalscorers.

Kane is the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years, after ​Michael Owen won it in 2001, Reuters reported.

“Wow, wow, wow!” Kane said after taking the stage. “I am almost speechless. Being here in London has made it ‌extra special. Made it a good omen for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was tough this year.

“Some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and impressive showing determination and hard work can really achieve.”

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third time.

Kane’s move to Bayern in 2023 brought the team trophies ​that had long eluded him. In 2025-26, he coupled that success with goalscoring numbers that made him the leading Ballon d’Or candidate.

The England captain produced his most prolific campaign, ​scoring 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern across all competitions as the German side completed a domestic league and cup double.

By the end ⁠of the season, Kane had established himself as Europe’s leading goalscorer.

His influence stretched far beyond club football.

He scored six goals at the World Cup and led England to the semi-finals, combining his clinical ​finishing with the leadership and composure that have defined his international career.

The award represents the culmination of a remarkable journey. Few players have experienced a career arc quite like Kane’s, ​and he thanked all of his career coaches in his emotional speech, plus Tottenham Hotspur and his wife Kate.

Once struggling to establish himself at Spurs as a youngster, being sent out on numerous loans, he developed into one of the most complete centre forwards of his generation, capable of scoring every type of goal while also functioning as a playmaker.

“It’s about the journey,” Kane said. “Anything is possible, work hard when ​nobody is watching.

“For any young boy or girl wanting to achieve their dreams, anything is possible. I wasn’t the kid who went straight to the top. I had to ​experience the downs. I had to find my way to be the very best right now.”

CONSISTENCY

The Ballon d’Or has often rewarded players whose success was built on flair and spectacle, but Kane’s triumph ‌is a ⁠tribute to consistency, intelligence and productivity on an exceptional scale.

Week after week, he delivered. Match after match, he decided contests. There were no prolonged slumps and few quiet nights.

His numbers were almost impossible to ignore.

Kane finished the campaign with 73 goals for club and country, a total rarely seen in the modern era. More importantly, those goals arrived in moments of genuine significance, helping Bayern collect trophies and driving England deep into the biggest tournament in the sport.

The competition for this year’s award was fierce. Kylian Mbappe broke World Cup scoring ​records. Lamine Yamal helped Spain to World ​Cup glory. Yet voters ultimately chose ⁠Kane, whose excellence lasted the entire season.

Mbappe finished second, followed by Lamine, Rodri and Lionel Messi.

At 33, Kane has finally claimed the game’s highest individual honour, adding a Ballon d’Or to a legacy that already places him among football’s greatest strikers as England’s all-time leading ​marksman and their record World Cup scorer.

Putellas was presented with the women’s award after winning the treble with Barcelona in the ​2025-26 campaign, in addition to ⁠the Spanish Super Cup. She moved to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses in July after 14 years at Barca.

Spain and Barcelona players won the young talent awards, Lamine picking up his third trophy and Vicky Lopez taking home the women’s award for the second successive year.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year, while Barcelona’s Pere ⁠Romeu won ​the women’s coaching award.

The men’s goalkeeper award went to Unai Simon of Spain and Athletic Bilbao, while Cata ​Coll of Spain and Barcelona won the women’s award.

Paris St Germain won the men’s club of the year award, while Barcelona picked up the women’s honours. Kane won the men’s striker of the year prize, while Charlyn ​Corral was named top women’s striker.

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka was presented with the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.