AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Finalists Australia and Japan accuse AFC of ‘ignoring’ calls for equal prize money

Women’s Asian Cup finalists Japan and Australia on Thursday renewed their calls for prize money equal to that of the men’s tournament in a direct challenge to the Asian Football Confederation, accusing the governing body of «ignoring» previous requests.

Japan defeated hosts Australia 1-0 in the final in Sydney on March 21 in front of more than 74,000 fans, the largest crowd in the competition’s history.

It capped a tournament that made global headlines after seven members of the Iranian squad sought asylum after being branded «traitors» at home for refusing to sing the national anthem. Two players remain in Australia.

The prize money for last month’s Women’s Asian Cup was reported to be $1.8 million, the same as in 2022, compared to the $14.8 million on offer at the men’s equivalent.

In February, a report from global football union FIFPRO said the event could generate up to $82.4 million in revenue.

A record 350,000 fans passed through the turnstiles during the three weeks of the tournament.

In a joint statement from FIFPRO on Thursday, the teams from Japan and Australia said: “Despite the success of this tournament, it remains the lowest-paid continental tournament in the world and the disparity between the men’s and women’s tournaments persists.

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“Our pre-tournament invitation to the AFC to work together towards equal prize money, a guaranteed share for all players, and to develop a lasting legacy together has so far been ignored.

“Equal prize money would be transformative for all players and football communities in Asia.

“Equal prize money would help raise standards at all levels of the game in our region.

“Equality benefits players in the short term, but football in the long term.”

The statement said the tournament was “played against a backdrop of real challenges that the AFC and the players must tackle together”.

It highlighted the plight of the Iranian team and how the Indian players were left with kits that did not fit them well.

South Korea’s squad had threatened to boycott the 12-team tournament over «poor» treatment by the national federation compared to its male counterpart.

“These challenges can only be addressed together and in partnership,” the statement said.

“Looking ahead, we expect FIFA to deliver on its promise of equal prize money for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and that we will continue to fight for equality and respect for female players in our region.”

AFP has contacted Kuala Lumpur-based AFC for comment.

Published on April 2, 2026