Japan and Australia’s women’s teams accuse the Asian Football Confederation of ignoring calls for equal prize money with the men’s tournament.
Women’s Asian Cup finalists Japan and Australia have directly challenged the Asian Football Confederation over prize money inequality.
In a joint statement released via global players’ union FIFPRO, the teams accused the AFC of ignoring their pre-tournament request to collaborate on equalising rewards.
The statement highlighted that the recent tournament remains the world’s lowest-paying continental competition despite its record success.
Japan beat hosts Australia 1-0 in the final last month before more than 74,000 fans, the largest crowd in the event’s history.
A total of 350,000 spectators attended the three-week tournament, which generated global headlines beyond the football.
Seven members of the Iran squad sought asylum after being branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing their national anthem.
Two of those players remain in Australia following the tournament’s conclusion.
Other challenges included India’s players receiving ill-fitting kits and South Korea’s squad threatening a boycott over “poor” treatment compared to their male counterparts.
“Our pre-tournament invitation to the AFC to work together on equal prize money, a guaranteed share to all players, and to co-develop a lasting legacy has so far been ignored,” the teams stated.
The prize fund for the Women’s Asian Cup was widely reported at USD 1.8 million, unchanged from 2022.
This compares to the USD 14.8 million on offer for the men’s equivalent Asian Cup.
A FIFPRO report in February estimated the women’s tournament could generate up to USD 82.4 million in revenue.
“Equal prize money would be transformational for all players and football communities across Asia,” the statement continued.
The teams argued that equality benefits players immediately and football in the long term by raising standards across the region.
They also called on FIFA to honour its pledge of equal prize money for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
“These challenges can only be tackled together in partnership,” the statement concluded, urging collaboration between players and the governing body.
The AFC, which is based in Kuala Lumpur, has been contacted for comment.
