South Korea avert boycott of Women's Asian Cup weeks before kickoff

Seoul—South Korea’s national women’s football team has stepped back from a boycott of the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup after a dispute over what players described as “discriminatory conditions” was settled, the Korea Football Association confirmed Tuesday.

The disagreement, which had threatened the squad’s participation only weeks before the tournament’s opening match, was resolved following last-minute negotiations between squad representatives and federation officials. Details of the accord were not disclosed, but the KFA statement said the matter “has been resolved,” clearing the way for the team to prepare for the continental championship.

The swift resolution ends speculation that the 2022 edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup might lose one of East Asia’s top sides just days before teams begin arriving for group-stage fixtures. The tournament is scheduled to kick off next month.

South Korea, which booked its place in the competition through qualifying rounds last year, is now expected to travel as planned and contest a group that includes regional heavyweights. The development preserves the integrity of a 12-nation field already reshaped by pandemic-related withdrawals and venue changes.

KFA officials did not elaborate on the specific grievances raised by players, nor did they outline any structural changes agreed upon to address the squad’s concerns. The federation reiterated its commitment to “supporting the women’s program” and thanked supporters for their patience during the brief impasse.

With the boycott threat lifted, attention turns to final preparations for a squad aiming to improve on previous Asian Cup performances and secure one of the continent’s berths in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.