South Korean Football Officials in Discussions to Prevent Boycott of Women's Asian Cup

Topics:

Officials from South Korean football announced on Monday that they are engaging in discussions with the players to avoid a boycott of the Women's Asian Cup scheduled for next month, and they foresee the national squad beginning training for the event on time.

The nation's women's team raised concerns last year about substandard and "unequal treatment" supplied by the Korea Football Association (KFA) relative to the men's team.

A declaration from the team in September, disclosed in January, highlighted that the players suffer from tiring extended bus trips and economy flights, plus they must use "unsuitable" housing located far from the practice areas.

An official from the KFA informed AFP: "We keep holding conversations with the players to settle the issue and intend to follow through with the planned training programme."

The authority plans to assemble the players for a preparatory camp ahead of the tournament in mid February, the official noted.

The athletes voiced frustration that they need to fund their own airport transport and practice gear.

The team's declaration stated they would "pause involvement in all sessions linked to the coming 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup" and turn down game appearances if the KFA failed to reply by 17 October.

It pointed out "obvious and irrefutable gaps" versus the setup available to the men's national squad.

An inside KFA paper, reviewed by AFP, indicated that under 10 per cent of the yearly national teams budget of US$1.3 million went to the women for 2025.

The 12 team Women's Asian Cup takes place in Australia from 1 to 21 March.

South Korea finds itself in an opening group with the hosts, Iran and the Philippines.

Midfielder Ji So-yun, who played eight years at the English side Chelsea, remarked lately: "It appears the players are lacking proper handling as national team representatives.

"Regretfully, I think measures are required to drive improvements," she continued in remarks covered by Yonhap news agency.