South Korea resolves threat of boycott for Womens Asian Cup mere weeks prior to start

Football authorities in South Korea announced on Tuesday that an issue which led the nations womens players to consider boycotting the upcoming Womens Asian Cup due to unfair treatment has now been settled.

The South Korean womens national team raised concerns last year about inadequate support from the Korea Football Association compared to what the mens team receives.

In a declaration issued in September and released publicly in January, the players indicated they would skip matches and practice sessions leading up to the Asian Cup unless the association improved aspects like travel arrangements, training venues and lodging.

The Korea Football Association informed AFP that the situation is now settled, and they have selected a 26 member squad for the tournament in Australia starting on 1 March.

According to the association, beginning this year, all members of the womens team will receive business class flights for extended trips.

They also expressed intentions to build a robust ongoing support framework that enables players to excel while proudly representing their country.

The selected players will gather at the national training facility in South Korea on Sunday and depart for Australia four days afterwards.

In the initial group stage, they are placed alongside the host nation, Iran and the Philippines.

Under coach Shin Sang woo, the team features ex Chelsea player Ji So yun in midfield along with 18 year old Casey Phair from Angel City FC who was born in the US.

Eight players based abroad have been included, such as Park Soo jeong from AC Milan.

South Korea will begin their tournament against Iran at the Gold Coast on 2 March.