Women award night leads the way in Asia

The Asia Football Confederation has had many critics in the past, but with the only Confederation to have a Women's Football awards night they certainly have got this one right.

Another sign of the growth of women's football, another sign of the growth of football in our region, in Asia.

Good stuff, and of course Aussie Coach Tom Sermanni and Aussie Ref Tammmy Ogston were among the first award winners.

AFC Media Release below.

Separate awards gets thumbs-up from women players
6 November 2007


Sun Wen


KUALA LUMPUR: AFC’s decision to hold a separate women’s awards ceremony has been applauded by Asia ’s legendary women players, saying it will provide a big boost to women’s football in the continent.

Speaking to, Chinese legend Sun Wen, now a FIFA Women’s Ambassador, said: “It’s a welcome move and the players can look forward to stealing the limelight at a function meant only for them.”

“The achievements of women players have been overshadowed by men’s awards winners in the previous functions but giving them special recognition will boost the morale of women players,” said the winner of 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot.

Sun was also nominated for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year twice in 2001 and 2002 and finished second runner-up on both occasions.

Liu Ailing, who participated in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and was a member of the Chinese team which finished runners-up in 1999, said: “Women’s football in Asia is at an all-time high. There are more players and the standard of football is growing.”

“The women players would be aiming to etch their names on the trophy. The separate awards function will give them more confidence and bring out the best in the talented youngsters.”

Both Sun Wen and Liu Ailing will attend the inaugural AFC Women’s Awards which will be held on November 6 here in the capital of Malaysia .