FILE PHOTO: The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup trophy is seen ahead of the official draw, opposite the Sydney Opera House in Sydney on July 28, 2025. The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup will be hosted by Australia, and will run from March 1 to 21, 2026. - AFP picPROFESSIONAL standards for female footballers in Asia still lag global benchmarks but the upcoming Women's Asian Cup presents a "generational opportunity" to improve conditions for players in the region, a report released by FIFPro said on Tuesday. The letter also called for at least 30% of the prize money from the tournament to be distributed directly to players. "The 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup represents an enormous opportunity to address historical inequalities and set a new standard for how women footballers are valued and supported across Asia," FIFPro Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji said.

Source: New Strait Times February 10, 2026 11:50 UTC