KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is keeping a close watch on security developments in Riyadh ahead of continental club fixtures scheduled in the Saudi Arabian capital tonight.
The alert follows consecutive missile and drone strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport on Saturday and Sunday, which caused casualties, temporarily halted airport operations, and prompted regional flight cancellations and travel advisories.
The security scare coincides with matchday two of the revamped Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) in the West Region.
Action in the capital is scheduled for tonight, with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr hosting Uzbekistan's Neftchi at King Saud University Stadium at 9.15pm local time (2.15am Tuesday, Malaysian time).
When contacted by Timesport, AFC general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said the continental governing body is tracking ground assessments.
"We are monitoring the situation," Windsor said.
As of Monday afternoon, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has not issued any public statement or postponement directive regarding the airport strikes, with scheduled sporting events proceeding as planned under standard match-day protocols.
Neftchi's delegation, who arrived in Riyadh prior to the weekend airspace disruptions, completed their official pre-match technical briefings without schedule alterations.
However, the situation raises logistical questions for upcoming ACLE and Asian Champions League Two (ACL 2) fixtures, where visiting Asian clubs and AFC match officials rely on commercial flight corridors through Riyadh.
The developments also serve as a test for the kingdom's hosting roadmap.
Saudi Arabia will stage the Asian Cup from Jan 7-Feb 5 in several cities, including Riyadh, as well as the ACLE final on May 1.
In the past, the AFC has exercised contingency mechanisms, routinely shifting fixtures to neutral venues across the Gulf, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, whenever local airspace or ground conditions posed persistent safety risks.
On Sunday, Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians were affected in the airport strikes, while advising travellers and residents in the kingdom to remain vigilant, verify flight schedules with airlines and adhere to local safety directives.
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