South Korea avert boycott of Asian Cup as FIFPro urges better conditions for women players
Korea FA says players’ complaint over discrimination has been resolved, while global union says tournament is ‘generational opportunity’
South Korea’s national women’s squad last year complained of “poor” treatment by the Korea Football Association (KFA) compared with their male counterparts.
A statement from September, made public in January, said players would boycott games and training ahead of the Asian Cup if the KFA did not address their concerns over travel, training facilities and accommodation.
Meanwhile, a report released by FIFPro, the global players’ union, included a letter sent to the Asian Football Confederation in December, signed by players from seven of the 12 competing nations, seeking collaboration to provide equal prize money and opportunities in line with the men’s game.
The letter also called for at least 30 per cent of the prize money from the tournament, which will be held in Australia, to be distributed directly to players.
The AFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.