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

"Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the world's oldest women's national team competition introduced prize money for the first time in 2022, distributing US$1.8m among the nations who finished in the top four. But the AFC will not offer a bigger prize pot at this year's tournament, which starts on March 1, ignoring multiple player requests to address its stagnation amid a global women's football boom."

"In 2023, the AFC allocated US$14.8m for the men's Asian Cup, with all 24 teams including the Socceroos awarded a separate participation fee of US$200,000. A survey conducted by global players' union Fifpro after the 2022 edition revealed 87% of players said improvements to pay and prize money were needed. Players from a majority of this year's competing teams recently signed an open letter to the AFC requesting consultation on prize money, but that consultation did not occur."

AFC will not raise prize money for the upcoming Women's Asian Cup in Australia, keeping amounts consistent with the 2022 edition. The tournament marks the competition's 50th anniversary; prize money was first introduced in 2022 when US$1.8m was distributed among the top four teams. The AFC acknowledged the importance of increased prize funds but confirmed the upcoming edition's prize money remains unchanged. The 2023 men's Asian Cup received US$14.8m and a US$200,000 participation fee per team. A Fifpro survey after 2022 found 87% of players wanted improvements in pay and prize money. Players sent an open letter requesting consultation on prize funds but received none. The Women's Asian Cup is now the lowest-paying continental women's tournament.

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