Summary
Japan and Australia, finalists in the Women’s Asian Cup, have called for equal prize money compared to the men’s tournament. They accuse the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) of ignoring previous requests for equal payments. The recent tournament had notable incidents, including Iranian players seeking asylum and South Korea's near-boycott over poor treatment.
Key Facts
- Japan won the Women’s Asian Cup final against Australia with a score of 1-0.
- Over 74,000 fans attended the final, the largest crowd in the tournament's history.
- The Women’s Asian Cup prize fund was $1.8 million, much less than the men’s prize fund of $14.8 million.
- The event could potentially generate around $82.4 million in revenue, according to FIFPRO.
- Two Iranian players sought asylum in Australia during the tournament.
- Japan's coach Nils Nielsen was removed from his position shortly after winning the tournament, with the Japan Football Association citing contract expiration and a decision based on future goals.
- South Korea's women's team considered a boycott over unequal treatment compared to the men's team.
