Asian Football Confederation Stands Firm on Women's Prize Money Amid Player Pleas for 'Respect'
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has refused to increase prize money for its upcoming Women's Asian Cup, sparking criticism from players' unions and a looming public campaign. The tournament, set to take place in Australia this March, will offer the same US$1.8m prize pool as four years ago, despite multiple player requests for a boost.
The decision has left many questioning why the AFC is not taking a more active role in addressing stagnant prize money in women's football globally. In contrast, other major tournaments such as the Women's European Championships and Concacaf W Gold Cup are offering significantly higher prizes.
A survey conducted by global players' union Fifpro found that 87% of players felt improvements to pay and prize money were needed after the 2022 edition of the tournament. The recent signing of an open letter by players from participating teams has brought attention to the issue, with plans for a public campaign underway to push for change.
Fifpro secretary general Shoko Tsuji expressed frustration at the AFC's justification for maintaining the same prize money, stating that it ignores the immense potential of women's football in Asia. "The AFC's statement talks about long-term development and 'future editions'... but Australia is hosting this tournament now," she said. "Players across Asia have already shown the immense potential of the women's game when given a platform."
Tsuji pointed out that the recent Women's Asian Champions League, which took place just two years ago, offered significantly higher prize money for its teams. The club tournament had a total prize pot of US$1.5m, with more awarded to teams for progressing through the competition.
The current lack of investment in women's football is seen as an embarrassment by many in the sports community. As Asia's largest football confederation, it was expected that the AFC would take a leading role in promoting and supporting women's football.
However, the decision not to increase prize money has sparked outrage among players and fans, who feel that their sport deserves more recognition and respect. The upcoming Women's Asian Cup is seen as an opportunity for the AFC to rectify this situation, but it remains to be seen whether the confederation will listen to player pleas for change.
As the tournament approaches, many are left wondering what needs to happen before the AFC takes seriously the plight of women's football players in Asia.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has refused to increase prize money for its upcoming Women's Asian Cup, sparking criticism from players' unions and a looming public campaign. The tournament, set to take place in Australia this March, will offer the same US$1.8m prize pool as four years ago, despite multiple player requests for a boost.
The decision has left many questioning why the AFC is not taking a more active role in addressing stagnant prize money in women's football globally. In contrast, other major tournaments such as the Women's European Championships and Concacaf W Gold Cup are offering significantly higher prizes.
A survey conducted by global players' union Fifpro found that 87% of players felt improvements to pay and prize money were needed after the 2022 edition of the tournament. The recent signing of an open letter by players from participating teams has brought attention to the issue, with plans for a public campaign underway to push for change.
Fifpro secretary general Shoko Tsuji expressed frustration at the AFC's justification for maintaining the same prize money, stating that it ignores the immense potential of women's football in Asia. "The AFC's statement talks about long-term development and 'future editions'... but Australia is hosting this tournament now," she said. "Players across Asia have already shown the immense potential of the women's game when given a platform."
Tsuji pointed out that the recent Women's Asian Champions League, which took place just two years ago, offered significantly higher prize money for its teams. The club tournament had a total prize pot of US$1.5m, with more awarded to teams for progressing through the competition.
The current lack of investment in women's football is seen as an embarrassment by many in the sports community. As Asia's largest football confederation, it was expected that the AFC would take a leading role in promoting and supporting women's football.
However, the decision not to increase prize money has sparked outrage among players and fans, who feel that their sport deserves more recognition and respect. The upcoming Women's Asian Cup is seen as an opportunity for the AFC to rectify this situation, but it remains to be seen whether the confederation will listen to player pleas for change.
As the tournament approaches, many are left wondering what needs to happen before the AFC takes seriously the plight of women's football players in Asia.
. I mean, 1.8m is barely enough for a decent prize pool, let alone considering how big this tournament is supposed to be. It's like they're not even taking women's football seriously anymore 
. I've been following this issue for a while now and it's sad to see that the AFC still hasn't gotten the message. 87% of players are telling you the same thing, Shoko Tsuji - something needs to change ASAP. The Women's Asian Champions League was doing way better than this 
. This is just another example of how women's football is being treated like an afterthought in Asia. I'm all for growth and development, but not at the expense of player dignity and fair compensation 
.
I mean, come on AFC, can't you see how this is gonna look if you don't bump up that prize money? It's like, you're trying to promote women's football but then you just leave it all on the table? 
The fact that Fifpro is gonna push for change and players are starting a public campaign shows how serious they are about getting respect 
. It's time to take women's football seriously, not just talk about it 
. i feel bad for the players who have to deal with this every year... it's like they're asking for scraps from the table 
. and what really gets me is that they're basically saying "oh, we're investing in our future" but then they don't do anything about it 
. newsflash: just throwing money at a problem doesn't solve it 
.
US$1.5m is what teams were getting back then... it's an embarrassment that they're not taking the players seriously
. I mean, $1.8m is a decent prize pool, but when you consider what other female teams are making elsewhere, it's just not fair. 87% of players want better pay and prize money - how can the AFC ignore that? They're supposed to be the leaders in women's football, but instead they're being super slow on the uptake 
. And it's not just about the money, it's about respect for the players' hard work and dedication. If they want to grow the sport, they need to start treating their female athletes with more dignity 
. If the AFC is truly serious about growing women's football in Asia, they need to start treating their female players with more respect now. A $1.8m prize pool is a joke, especially when you compare it to other major tournaments. I mean, who wouldn't want to compete for decent pay and recognition? It's not like the players are asking for the moon here. Just a fair share of the revenue would be nice 
.
... I mean, they're like "oh we care about women's football" but really they're just not putting their money where their mouth is 
. I'm all for women's football growing but it needs investment not just empty words 
. It's just basic respect for the hard work and dedication they put into their sport.
. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) gotta step up their game, fam! 
. We need more women in leadership positions making these decisions, IMHO 