A standoff that led South Korea’s women players to threaten a boycott of next month’s Women’s Asian Cup due to “discriminatory conditions” has now been resolved, national football authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
South Korea’s women’s national team had previously raised complaints about receiving “inferior” treatment from the Korea Football Association (KFA) compared with the men’s team.
A statement issued in September and made public in January warned that players would refuse to take part in matches and training sessions ahead of the Asian Cup unless their concerns regarding travel arrangements, training facilities and accommodation were addressed.
Meanwhile, a report published by FIFPro, the world players’ union, revealed a letter sent to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in December. The letter, signed by players from seven of the 12 participating nations, called for cooperation to ensure equal prize money and opportunities comparable to the men’s competition.
The letter also urged that at least 30 percent of the tournament’s prize money — for the event to be staged in Australia — be paid directly to players.
The AFC did not immediately comment when approached.
According to FIFPro’s report, with professional standards for women footballers in Asia still trailing global levels, the Asian Cup offers a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to significantly improve player conditions across the region.
Forecasts by sports intelligence firm Gemba indicated that the March 1–21 tournament could generate US$82.4 million in revenue, making it the most commercially successful edition of the competition, the report said.
“The 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup provides a major chance to correct long-standing inequalities and establish a new benchmark for how women players are valued and supported throughout Asia,” said FIFPro Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji.
On Tuesday, the KFA announced that the issue had “been settled” and unveiled a 26-player squad for the Asian Cup, which begins in Perth on March 1.
The KFA added that from this year onward, all women’s national team players will receive business-class flights for long-haul travel.
The association also stated its intention to “build a sustainable support framework that enables players to perform at their highest level while feeling pride in representing the country.”
The squad will gather at the national training centre on Sunday before departing for Australia four days later.
South Korea have been placed in a first-round group alongside hosts Australia, Iran and the Philippines.
Coach Shin Sang-woo’s selection features former Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun and 18-year-old US-born Angel City FC player Casey Phair from the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League.
Eight players based overseas were included, among them AC Milan’s Park Soo-jeong.
South Korea will begin their campaign against Iran on March 2 at the Gold Coast.
