FIFPRO Asia/Oceania's efforts to ensure the successful hosting of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia and protect players' rights have paid off.
On Sunday, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania released a summary of records broken during the tournament. The Group A opening match between Australia and the Philippines at Optus Stadium on the 1st set a new record for highest attendance at an opening match in tournament history, drawing 44,379 spectators.
The final Group A match between Australia and South Korea at Stadium Australia on the 8th set a new all-time single-match attendance record for the tournament. A total of 60,279 fans packed the stadium, reflecting intense interest in the competition.
The match also set a new record for the highest single group-stage attendance at any major tournament held in Australia. The previous record was 44,379 spectators at the AFC Asian Cup Group A match between Australia and Oman at Stadium Australia on January 13, 2015.
According to FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, cumulative attendance from the group stage through the semifinals reached 278,500. With the final yet to be played, total attendance is expected to exceed 300,000. Japan and Australia will meet in the final, with kickoff scheduled for the 21st at Stadium Australia.
The tournament's success stems from FIFPRO Asia/Oceania's comprehensive efforts across multiple fronts. Notably, ahead of the tournament opening, the organization released a new report highlighting the challenges facing women's football in Asia and the historic opportunities the competition presents.