The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 participants have received a major blow. To their surprise, the prize money remains unchanged at $1.8 million, which is the same as the 2022 edition. However, ahead of the announcement, formal appeals and requests were made by players to bring in parity between men’s and women’s tournaments, but it seems the demand will not be met.
The prize pool of the women’s event is around 12% of what the Men’s Asia Cup tournament has. Besides, it’s one of the lowest when compared with other international tournaments. The decision to not change the prize pool has brought in a big question of financial equity in Asian women’s football.
Earlier this week, FIFPro, a union of global players, had released the report citing the disparity shared a letter that they had appealed to the Asian Football Confederation back in December 2025 and urged them to bring growth in women’s football. The letter had the signature of players from across seven participating nations of the Women’s Asia Cup, including Australia, Japan, India and South Korea.
The plea made by the players was aimed at concerns for taking measures, including the introduction of similar tournament rules and conditions for men and women events, equal prize money, 30% of prize funds given directly to players, and finally to strengthen the professional structure of women’s sport across Asia.
However, an AFC spokesperson, noting and acknowledging the demands of the women’s players, states that the decision remains final and no changes are to be expected. In addition to that, he also addressed that the prize pool is made from commercial revenues, including broadcasting and sponsorship.
The 50th edition of the Women’s Asian Cup serves as an important event for football teams in their qualification for major tournaments, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics.
India’s women’s football team captain Ashalata Devi has voiced her opinion on financial inequality in women’s sports and justifies her points on why the demand stands valid in respect to the ones representing the country.
Devi said, “We devote everything to our country. Our dedication, sacrifice, and pride in wearing the uniform are no different from those of male players. Equal prize money and equal conditions are not only right but also show that women players receive equal respect.”
On the other hand, for Japanese international player Yui Hasegawa, the Women’s Asia Cup scheduled in Australia is a key event in women’s football and credits their progress on pay equity.
