FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has reiterated calls for a new partnership between professional footballers and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), whilst committing to a comprehensive analysis of the AFC’s increased financial distributions for club competitions.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s extensive review of the AFC Champions League, released in February highlighted the strain the competition was placing on participating players and clubs. In a new development last week, the AFC announced increased prize money for club competitions.
FIFPRO Asia/Oceania chair Takuya Yamazaki said: "Whilst appearing to be a step in the right direction, the financial distributions announced by the AFC were decided unilaterally and, as such, require further analysis to determine whether they will adequately address the challenges identified by players.”
In addition, issues of fundamental importance remaining unresolved include player workload, travel, league disruption across Asia, and workplace standards.
As recommended by FIFPRO Asia/Oceania in February, unilateral decision-making must be replaced by a genuine partnership between professional footballers, clubs, leagues, and the AFC, to ensure Asian football delivers on its enormous potential.
