No increase in Women's Asian Cup prize money despite player pleas for 'respect'

[Encourag]

Prize Money at the Upcoming Women's Asian Cup Remains Low Despite Player Pleas for Respect

The upcoming Women's Asian Cup tournament in Australia has sparked controversy over its low prize money, with players pleading for increased recognition despite the competition being billed as the most successful to date. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will not increase the prize money from what was offered four years ago, distributing US$1.8m among the top four finishers.

The decision has been met with criticism from player representatives and global players' union Fifpro Asia/Oceania. A survey conducted by Fifpro after the 2022 edition revealed that 87% of players believed improvements were needed in pay and prize money, highlighting a stark contrast to the men's Asian Cup, which saw US$14.8m allocated for the tournament.

The Women's Asian Cup is now considered the lowest-paying continental tournament globally, with the 2025 European Championships, African Cup of Nations, Concacaf W Gold Cup, and Copa America Feminina offering significantly higher prize pots. The AFC has cited its focus on long-term development and growing commercial revenues as reasons for maintaining current prize money levels.

However, Fifpro Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji argued that the tournament should be treated with greater respect, particularly given its growing commercial success. "Players across Asia have already shown the immense potential of the women's game when given a platform," she said. "We believe the tournament should be recognized in line with its stature and the immense value it brings to the AFC."

The Women's Asian Champions League, launched just two years ago, had a significantly lower prize pot of US$1.5m, with most teams receiving only US$100,000 for making the group stage. The upcoming Asian Cup is part of qualification for both the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, with the Matildas facing stiff competition in their group.

A public campaign calling attention to the disparity between prize money for men's and women's competitions is reportedly underway, highlighting a growing divide within the football community.

 

[Amateur Moon Throug]

I'm so frustrated with this latest development - it's just not fair to these talented women players! I mean, we all know that the men's Asian Cup gets way more attention and money, and now the Women's Asian Cup is stuck at the same old low prize pot? It's like they're still trying to prove themselves, you know?

I think Fifpro Asia/Oceania makes a great point when Shoko Tsuji says we need to give the women's game the respect it deserves. I mean, these players are killing it on the pitch and putting in so much hard work, but they're not getting the recognition or compensation they deserve.

And let's be real, the tournament is growing in commercial success - why can't that translate to more prize money? It's like the AFC is still stuck in this outdated mindset.

It's time for a change! I hope this public campaign helps raise awareness and gets the message across that women's football deserves better.

 

[Miniat]

I think it's pretty sad that female players are still being paid so much less than their male counterparts . I mean, we know the women's game has come on leaps and bounds in terms of skill and popularity, but does that really translate to equal pay? It seems like a lot of people in the football world are still asleep at the wheel when it comes to this issue . The fact that the Women's Asian Cup is now considered the lowest-paying continental tournament globally is just embarrassing . The Matildas deserve better than to be treated like second-class citizens just because they're female . The commercial success of the tournament should definitely translate to higher prize money, and it's time for the AFC to start recognizing the women's game in a more meaningful way .

 

[Search for the Outlaw]

I'm really surprised by this low prize money for the Women's Asian Cup . I mean, we're talking about one of the biggest tournaments in Asia, and the players are still getting US$1.8m? That's barely enough to cover the costs of travel and accommodation, let alone living expenses . And it's even more shocking when you compare it to the men's tournament, which has a whopping US$14.8m on offer . I think it's time for the AFC to take player concerns seriously and up the ante . It's not just about the prize money, though - it's also about recognition and respect for the women's game . The players are already killing it on the pitch, so they deserve some serious props .

 

[Chinese]

its wild that fifpro asia/oceania is pushing back on the low prize money at the women's asian cup, like 87% of players think more needs to be done meanwhile the men's asian cup gets a huge payday & everyone just ignores it the women's game has been growing in popularity & value, but the prize money still reflects that

 

[Jamaican Fashion College]

Ugh this is crazy the women's Asian Cup getting almost 1/9th of what the men get? It just doesn't add up they're saying its about long term development but that's just code for not wanting to pay players who are crushing it on the field these ladies deserve so much better

 

[Hurt Hamerkop]

I'm really disappointed to see that the Asian Football Confederation isn't upping the ante on prize money for the Women's Asian Cup 1.8m just doesn't cut it when you think about all the other big tournaments out there offering way more and players are literally begging for a raise . It's like, we get it that they're trying to focus on long-term development and growing commercial revenues, but come on , treat your top female players with some respect! They're working just as hard (if not harder) than the guys and deserve to be compensated accordingly . The fact that 87% of players think improvements are needed in pay and prize money is crazy , it's time for the AFC to step up their game

 

[Distinct Dog]

Ugh, I mean I totally get why these players are upset . $1.8m just doesn't seem like enough considering how good they're about to be compared to teams in other big tournaments. And honestly, the Asian Cup is already so successful and popular, it's weird that they're not being treated with more respect . I feel like this campaign to raise awareness about the disparity between men's and women's football is a great idea . It's time for FIFA/OFC to step up their game (pun intended!) and recognize the value of the women's game.

 

[Bright Bison]

Ugh, this is so unfair ! The Women's Asian Cup has such a huge following now and yet they're still only getting a fraction of what the guys get at the men's tournament? It's like, the women are just as talented and dedicated, if not more so in some cases. I mean, have you seen the Matildas play? They're absolute pros ! And all this for a measly US$1.8m? It's laughable.

I get that the AFC wants to focus on long-term development and commercial growth, but come on, treating the women's game with respect shouldn't cost them an arm and a leg . The European and African tournaments are already getting so much more money, it's like they're not even trying to level the playing field anymore.

I'm totally for this public campaign calling out the disparity . We need to make some noise about this and get the AFC to take notice. It's time to give these women players the recognition and compensation they deserve .

 

[Clean Carac]

I think it's kinda messed up that female players are getting way less than the guys, even tho they're playing just as hard. Like, I get it, the tournament is supposed to focus on long-term development and all that, but isn't growing commercial revenues like, pretty much everyone else doing? It seems like the AFC is trying to say they value women's football, but by not increasing prize money, it's kinda saying "we're only just getting started with this" . I mean, the Women's Asian Champions League was basically a sad 2-year-old version of the current tournament... how can you not up the ante?

 

[Relieved Rhinoceros]

I'm so confused about this... like why can't they just give players more $$$ for winning? US$1.8m is pretty meh considering how good these teams are now. I mean have you seen the Matildas play? They're like, super talented! And it's not fair that the men's Asian Cup gets way more money... what even is that?

And I don't get why the AFC says they need to focus on long-term development and stuff. Can't they just give players a little bit of money now so they can afford to play better teams in the future? Like, it's not like they're asking for a lot or anything. And the Women's Asian Champions League got even less $$$... that's just whack!

I wish I could help figure out what's going on and get these players some more $$$ so they can be happy and stuff

 

[Nutty Newt]

this is so frustrating i mean, i get that there are budget constraints and all that but US$1.8m for four teams just seems really low. especially when you compare it to other major tournaments like the european championships or even the womens champions league which was only 2 years ago at us$1.5m. its not fair to the players who have been training and competing for years, they deserve better pay for their hard work . and its not just about the money, its about respect too. fifpro asia/oceania is right, the women's asian cup should be treated with more dignity, especially since it has a huge commercial value. we need to make some noise and pressure the afc to increase the prize money ASAP

 

[Colo]

can u believe they still pay only $1.8m for the whole tournament? it's like, what r they even thinkin'? 87% of players feel underpaid lol. i mean, if the men's asian cup gets way more money than this and its basically the same competition, wot's the diff? gotta give it up to fifpro asia/oceania for speakin out tho