Australia chair Beau Busch driving equal pay and conditions for Asian Cup on home soil

The Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next year will be the most groundbreaking in Asian Football Confederation history if the players get their voices heard.

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9 hours ago.

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The Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next year will be the most groundbreaking in Asian Football Confederation history if the players have their opinions listened to.

At FIFPRO’s general assembly held in Tokyo, Australia chair Beau Busch outlined plans for working with the AFC to ensure at long last the growing status of women’s football is recognised with quality in key areas. Busch, a defender with Sydney FC and North Queensland Fury among others, is leading the campaign alongside the AFC to build on the incredible success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

The Matildas celebrate winning the 2010 Asian Cup after a penalty shootout with North Korea.

FIFPRO are lobbying AFC to provide equal conditions for all male and female Asian Cups in the future, including equal conditions, equal prizemoney, guaranteed prize distribution for players and a tournament legacy designed collaboratively by players and the AFC.

Busch said: “The Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 will be the largest tournament in its 50-year history at a time when women’s football is experiencing record growth worldwide,” adding: “Therefore, this tournament is an important opportunity to professionalise women’s football and support the legacy of the for the players who make it possible.”

FIFPRO secretary-general Alex Phillips emphasised the possibility of co-operation among key stakeholders. “The growing influence of FIFPRO is based on partnerships.” he said. “We are committed to expanding involvement of players in the decision-making processes at all levels of the game, particularly with the AFC and the Oceania Football Confederation. Our door is open for dialogue and collaboration.”

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup will be staged between March 1 and 21 next year with the hosts being Perth, where the Matildas will kick off the 12-team tournament on Thursday night, Gold Coast, western Sydney and Stadium Australia, where the final will be held. The winners will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027. It’s been 15 years since Australia won the event.