SYDNEY: Women’s Asian Cup finalists Japan and Australia renewed calls on Thursday for equal prize money with the men’s tournament in a direct challenge to the Asian Football Confederation and accused the governing body of “ignoring” previous requests.

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

It concluded a tournament which made global headlines after seven members of the Iran squad sought asylum after being branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem. Two players remain in Australia.

The prize fund for last month’s Women’s Asian Cup was widely 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 issued by the global footballers’ union FIFPRO said the event could generate up to $82.4 million in revenue.

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

In a joint statement released by FIFPRO on Thursday, the Japan and Australia teams said: “Despite the success of this tournament it remains the lowest-paying continental tournament in the world and inequality between the men’s and women’s game remains.

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

“Equal prize money would be transformational for all players and football communities across Asia.

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

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

The statement said that the tournament “was played against a backdrop of real challenges that the AFC and the players need to work in partnership to address”.

It highlighted the plight of the Iranian team and how India’s players were left with kits that did not fit them properly.

South Korea’s squad had threatened to boycott the 12-team tournament in the build-up over “poor” treatment by the national federation compared to their male counterparts.

“These challenges can only be tackled together in partnership,” the statement added.

“As we look forward, we expect FIFA to honour its pledge of equal prize money for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and we will continue to fight for equality and respect for women players across our region.”

AFP has contacted the Kuala Lumpur-based AFC for comment.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2026