FIFPRO Asia/Oceania recognised for driving gender equality in football

• FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has received the Women in Sports Law Gender Equality Champion Award
• The award recognises the division’s work to advance gender equity for footballers and within its own organisation
• Its initiatives include player-led advocacy at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and a regional Women’s Network

FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has received the Women in Sports Law (WISLaw) Gender Equality Champion Award, recognising its commitment to gender equity across the region.

The award recognises organisations advancing gender parity, diversity and inclusion in sport. For FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, that commitment shapes both its advocacy for footballers and the way the division is run.

Ahead of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania brought players together to call for equal conditions and prize money, guaranteed player payments and a lasting investment in women’s football. Its research highlighted the gap between the tournament’s potential and the conditions experienced by many players across the region. The division also introduced the first player-voted Team of the Tournament, giving footballers the opportunity to recognise their peers. 

Within its own organisation, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania has made equity, diversity and inclusion a strategic priority. It has introduced a 30 percent gender diversity requirement at board level and created more opportunities for women to contribute to its leadership, General Assemblies and regional activities.

Its Women’s Network connects women working across member unions to exchange experiences and take part in regional and global initiatives. The division has also used technology and translation to make meetings and player surveys more accessible across a region with many languages and cultures. 

"This award is a testament to the commitment of our leadership, past and present, who have consistently placed gender equality at the heart of our work," said FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji. "For us, this is not about ticking a box – we genuinely believe that pushing for gender equality makes us stronger as an organisation and strengthens our ability to represent and advance the rights of all players. 

"It also reflects the commitment of our member unions and colleagues who continue to support and drive this work across Asia/Oceania."

The Women’s Network has also helped inform efforts to build similar connections elsewhere in FIFPRO, including in Africa. FIFPRO’s Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Erica Puppo said the award recognised the value of putting long-term structures alongside practical opportunities for women today. 

"The most meaningful part is seeing equity, diversity and inclusion become part of how the division thinks, leads and works, both in how it advances these priorities for players and in how it operates as an organisation," Puppo said. "Proactively embedding EDI across leadership and operations is what makes this work effective, credible, and sustainable. 

"It’s wonderful to see the division recognised for this approach and results, and even more so to see it already creating momentum beyond the region."