Players call for equality and stronger engagement with player associations following Women’s Asian Cup

A joint player statement highlights the rapid growth of women’s football alongside persistent inequalities, calling for equal prize money and meaningful engagement with player associations. 

The conclusion of a record-breaking Women’s Asian Cup has prompted a strong response from players, who have welcomed the tournament’s success while calling for urgent progress on equality and working conditions. 

In a joint statement, players highlighted the growing visibility and commercial strength of the women’s game, alongside continued disparities — including unequal prize money and ongoing structural challenges across the region. 

Ahead of the tournament, players had invited the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to work in partnership on key issues such as equal prize money, guaranteed distribution to players, and the development of a lasting legacy. These proposals, however, have yet to be meaningfully addressed. 

Supported by FIFPRO, the global players’ union, this call reflects a broader principle across sport: governing bodies must recognise players as workers and engage with their representative associations in shaping the future of the game. 

Equal prize money is central to this effort. Beyond financial fairness, players emphasise its role in raising standards, strengthening the professional environment and supporting the long-term sustainability of women’s football. 

As the game continues to grow, players are also calling on FIFA to honour its commitment to equal prize money for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while reaffirming that lasting progress will depend on stronger collaboration, collective bargaining and respect for player voice. 

For World Players, this moment underscores a clear and consistent position: sport is a workplace, and athletes are workers entitled to fundamental labour rights. Strengthening collective bargaining and ensuring meaningful engagement with player associations are essential to delivering fair, safe and sustainable conditions across global sport. 

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