India, Nov. 3 -- JOHN DUERDEN

The 2027 Asian Cup soccer tournament has been delayed almost a year in the wake of recent deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia, becoming the biggest sports event to be postponed amid the conflict in the Middle East.

The Asian Football Confederation issued a statement Tuesday saying that after extensive consultations with Saudi organizers, it had decided to push the start of its marquee continental championship back from Jan. 7 to Dec. 23.

Local organizers agreed to reschedule in "circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions," the AFC said.

"Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organization and delivery of the competiti...