FIFPRO Asia/Oceania publishes annual report highlighting growth, player advocacy and impact across 2025/26

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has published its 2025/26 annual report, detailing a year of significant progress for player representation and highlighting the growing influence of player unions in shaping the future of football in the region.

The report outlines the division's work to strengthen player rights, expand union capacity, advance gender equity, and ensure football's growth is accompanied by stronger protections and opportunities for players. 

Representing more than 7,000 professional footballers through a network of 10 member unions and five observer unions, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania continued to advance player-led advocacy across some of football's most diverse and rapidly developing markets. 

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania President Beau Busch said the report demonstrates the growing strength of player voice across the region.

"Football in Asia and Oceania is changing rapidly. As competitions grow and new opportunities emerge, it is essential that players have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that affect their careers and lives.

“This report demonstrates what can be achieved when player unions work together across borders to advance professional standards, strengthen player welfare, and ensure football's growth benefits the people at the heart of the game."

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji said the division's focus on collaboration and capacity building was helping create lasting change for players throughout the region.

"The progress highlighted in this report reflects the dedication of our member unions and the players they represent,” Tsuji said.

“Across Asia and Oceania, we are seeing unions become stronger and player voices become more influential. Our next challenge is to ensure football stakeholders increasingly recognise the value of working in partnership with players.”

Among the highlights outlined in the report are major advocacy initiatives focused on anti-racism, women's football professionalism and the professional development of member unions.

The report also reflects on a landmark year for football in the region, including the record-breaking AFC Women's Asian Cup and the expanded FIFA Men's World Cup, which featured a record number of participating nations from Asia and Oceania.

As FIFPRO Asia/Oceania approaches its twentieth anniversary, the report outlines a continued commitment to strengthening player associations and ensuring players are recognised as essential partners in football's development. Access the full report HERE.