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Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, the rest of the Matildas and the team that beat them in the Women’s Asian Cup final have taken aim at the Asian Football Confederation for refusing to offer equal prizemoney to the men’s tournament.
In a show of unity from both nations, all players from the Australian and Japanese national teams have released a joint statement via players union FIFPro Asia/Oceania, which highlights their lingering discontent about the AFC’s stance.
Each Matildas player pocketed just $US6100 ($8800) for making the final, which they lost 1-0 to the Nadeshiko, but the Socceroos would have received almost five times that amount had they finished runners-up in the men’s Asian Cup final.
The pool of funds available to players has not increased since 2022, which was the first time prizemoney was paid at a women’s Asian Cup.
Players from Australia, Japan and several other competing nations had written to the AFC before the tournament to formally request equal prizemoney, but their pleas fell on deaf ears – despite projected revenues of $US82.4 million.
“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,” the joint statement, published on Thursday, says.
“Our pre-tournament invitation to the AFC to work together on equal prizemoney, a guaranteed share to all players, and to co-develop a lasting legacy has so far been ignored.
“This tournament was also played against a backdrop of real challenges that the AFC and the players need to work in partnership to address. From the players from the Indian team wearing ill‑fitting kit, to Korean players navigating ongoing disputes with their federation, to the extraordinary courage of the Iranian players, who reminded the world what it means to stand up for dignity, belief and what is right.
“These challenges can only be tackled together in partnership.
“As we look forward, we expect FIFA to honour its pledge of equal prizemoney for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and we will continue to fight for equality and respect for women players across our region.”
Meanwhile, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has unveiled his 22-player squad for the team’s upcoming FIFA Series friendlies in Kenya, where they will face Malawi on April 11 and then either India or Kenya, depending on results.
All members of Australia’s 26-player Asian Cup squad have been named – except for Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Michelle Heyman, Katrina Gorry, Kahli Johnson, the injured Clare Hunt and Kyra Cooney-Cross, who is sitting out the remainder of the season to be with her ill mother.
Their absence has created room for a potential debutant in Leticia McKenna, while Jessika Nash and Isabel Gomez have also been called up.
“This window gives us a valuable opportunity to reflect on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and continue building consistency that will underpin the team over the next sixteen months,” Montemurro said.
“We have maintained a core playing group while also providing chances for players who have earned their opportunity through club performances.
“The FIFA Series in Kenya will offer unique challenges and a test against diverse opposition. As we build toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it’s essential we expose ourselves to the styles and environments we’ll encounter on the global stage. We look forward to embracing this opportunity and using every moment together to sharpen our focus for the journey ahead.”
Full statement from Australian and Japanese players
It has been an honour to compete in this record‑breaking Women’s Asian Cup.
We thank Australia for hosting a truly world‑class tournament.
The crowds were electric. Governments showed their support. Sponsors stepped up.
Records fell and the commercial and cultural power of women’s football was undeniable.
This Women’s Asian Cup is yet another example that the growth of our game is unstoppable.
And yet there is so much more that women’s football can achieve.
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 prizemoney, a guaranteed share to all players, and to co-develop a lasting legacy has so far been ignored.
Equal prizemoney would be transformational for all players and football communities across Asia.
Equal prizemoney 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.
This tournament was also played against a backdrop of real challenges that the AFC and the players need to work in partnership to address.
From the players from the Indian team wearing ill‑fitting kit, to Korean players navigating ongoing disputes with their federation, to the extraordinary courage of the Iranian players, who reminded the world what it means to stand up for dignity, belief and what is right.
These challenges can only be tackled together in partnership.
As we look forward, we expect FIFA to honour its pledge of equal prizemoney for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and we will continue to fight for equality and respect for women players across our region.
