Australian defender Ellie Carpenter calls for rescheduling of Womens Asian Cup following absence from Chelseas League Cup triumph

Australias Ellie Carpenter has called on football authorities to reconsider the timing of the Womens Asian Cup events, following her and Sam Kerns absence from Chelseas 2-0 victory in the League Cup final against Manchester United.

The key defender Carpenter and forward Kerr are currently in Perth, gearing up for the semi final clash against China in the regional tournament on Tuesday.

This kept them away as their team secured the League Cup in England on Sunday, thanks to strikes from Lauren James and Aggie Beever Jones.

Japanese player Hinata Miyazawa from Manchester United was also sidelined.

"No other significant competition overlaps with the club season like this, and its clearly upsetting for those involved," Carpenter commented on Sunday evening.

"Sam and I missed out on a League Cup final, which is really frustrating.

"Given that AFC womens players, representing the Asian Football Confederation, are competing in Europe now, this issue should be addressed for the edition in four years time."

The upcoming Asian Cup is set for 2029 in Uzbekistan.

"Perhaps schedule it for June or July, aligning with typical major events," Carpenter suggested.

"Skipping league matches is tough, and cramming the tournament into the seasons midst may not help player careers in the long run."

Out of Australias 26 player squad, thirteen are with English teams, while others compete across Europe, clashing with the Asian Cup dates.

Japan, facing South Korea in Wednesdays other semi final, faces a similar situation, with sixteen squad members playing in England.

The mens Asian Cup usually occurs in January or February, likewise interrupting the European club calendar.