FIFPRO Asia/Oceania announces player support services for AFC Women’s Asian Cup

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania will provide a suite of player support services to footballers competing in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup, reinforcing its commitment to player welfare, integrity and wellbeing.

The services, which will be delivered to players in collaboration with FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s member unions and trusted partners, include integrity reporting through FIFPRO’s Red Button App, social media protection via Areto Labs, mental health support via The Mind Room, and assistance with international money transfers through SportsFX.

“Major international tournaments bring incredible opportunities for players, but they also come with heightened risks and pressures,” said Shoko Tsuji, Secretary General of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania.

“Our role is to ensure players are supported not only on the pitch, but in every aspect of their professional lives, whether that is from integrity threats, online abuse, or promoting positive mental health and financial wellbeing so they can perform at their best.

“Each of these services are designed to be complementary, ensuring there is a holistic and connected approach to wellbeing and to ensure they feel supported throughout the tournament.”

Red Button App – Integrity and match‑fixing reporting
All participating players will have access to the Red Button App, FIFPRO’s global integrity reporting tool, which allows players to report suspected match‑fixing approaches or manipulation safely and confidentially. 

The app has been developed to support players in meeting their reporting obligations and to protect them from potential harm associated with integrity breaches.
 
Areto Labs – Social media moderation and online abuse protection
In response to widespread concerns around targeted online abuse and potential approaches from match fixers, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania will provide players with access to social media moderation support through Areto Labs, an AI‑powered content moderation service designed to help athletes manage harmful online content and protect their digital wellbeing during major tournaments. This continues FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s commitment to tackling all forms of discrimination, and is an extension of its anti-Asian Racism campaign launched last June.

Mental health support – The Mind Room
Mental health support will be available to players throughout the tournament period, recognising the unique pressures of international competition and the importance of safeguarding player wellbeing as part of a professional football environment. Additionally, players who are victims of online abuse will have the opportunity to access the mental health support service.

SportsFX – International money transfer support
Through its partnership with SportsFX, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania will support players with international money transfers, including assistance related to prize money and cross‑border payments. The service is designed to help players navigate financial complexities that commonly arise during international tournaments and overseas competition.

The player support services form part of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s broader engagement with players competing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, alongside on‑the‑ground support and ongoing advocacy to improve conditions, standards, and protections for women footballers across the region.