FIFPRO Asia/Oceania's leadership engages UK-based internationals in key player discussions

• FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s leadership met with top Asian and Oceanian footballers based in the UK to reinforce commitment to player welfare and organising
  
  
• Meetings focused on critical issues such as player workload, national team commitments, and the increasing demands of professional football for club and country
  
  
• Development of Asian and Oceanian player network in the UK, ensuring direct communication with FIFPRO Asia/Oceania and member unions, was on the agenda

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s leadership held a series of meetings with some of the region’s top footballing talents based in the United Kingdom, reinforcing the division’s commitment to supporting Asian and Oceanian players abroad.

Among those in attendance were players from the Australia, China and Japan women’s national teams, the Taiwanese Players’ Association, and Japan and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania is continuing to organise players and strengthen its network within the UK and beyond, with a rising number of footballers from the region pursuing professional careers in Europe’s top men’s and women’s leagues.

Leading the division's delegation were newly appointed FIFPRO Asia/Oceania President Beau Busch, General Secretary Shoko Tsuji, and FIFPRO global board member Takuya Yamazaki.

The meetings included players who represent a variety of top-flight English clubs and aimed to address critical topics such as player workload, national team conditions, and the increasing demands on professional footballers playing overseas.

The delegation explored player expectations for major tournaments, with a focus on the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and examined how FIFPRO Asia/Oceania and its member unions can better support players as they balance club and national team commitments.

The group also met with China’s Li Mengwen and Taiwanese Women’s PFA representative Lynn Yang before concluding their visit with Riz Rehman from PFA England to discuss Asian player inclusion in the Premier League and Women’s Super League.

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania General Secretary Shoko Tsuji emphasised the significance of the meetings and the importance of developing stronger networks in a region where more Asian and Oceanian footballers are choosing to play.

Tsuji said: "Player organising is a key pillar of the Division Asia/Oceania’s Strategic Framework, so with the rapid increase of Asian players overseas—particularly in the Premier League and Women’s Super League—it was essential for us to meet them in person, update them on our ongoing and upcoming initiatives, and listen to their feedback."