South Korea have pulled back from the brink weeks before the Women’s Asian Cup, resolving a dispute on Tuesday that had seen players threaten a boycott over conditions, just ahead of the March 1 kick-off in Australia.
The national women’s squad last year accused the Korea Football Association of unequal treatment compared to the men. They described the setup as “poor” and warned they would refuse to play or train if nothing changed.
In a statement made in September and released publicly in January, the players laid out their line in the sand. They said they would boycott preparations unless concerns around travel, training facilities and accommodation were addressed.
The KFA moved quickly once the threat became public. The association told AFP the issue had “been resolved” and followed it by naming a 26-player squad for the tournament.
The key concession landed where it mattered. From this year, the KFA will provide business-class travel for women’s squad members on long-haul trips, a demand that had become symbolic of the wider dispute.
The federation also promised a shift in mindset, saying it wants to “strengthen a sustainable support system that allows the players to perform at their best while taking pride in wearing the national colours”. The words sound right, and now the players will judge them by action.
Preparation now moves back onto the pitch. The squad will meet at the national training centre on Sunday before flying to Australia four days later.
Coach Shin Sang-woo has plenty of experience at his disposal. Ji So-yun returns as the team’s heartbeat, while 18-year-old Casey Phair brings youthful energy after her rise with Angel City FC.
Eight overseas-based players made the cut, including AC Milan’s Park Soo-jeong. The blend gives South Korea balance as well as bite.
South Korea face a demanding group alongside hosts Australia, Iran and the Philippines. They open their campaign against Iran at the Gold Coast on March 2, with the boycott threat now firmly parked in the past.
