Overview

• The AFC Women's Champions League kicks off this week, aiming to boost the profile of women's soccer in Asia.
• Urawa Reds Ladies, a top Japanese team, are among the favorites, having won a pilot tournament last season.
• The tournament features 12 teams divided into three groups, with games hosted in single venues over nine days.
• The champion will receive at least $1.3 million in prize money, highlighting the financial stakes involved.
• Concerns remain about the varying levels of professionalism in women's soccer across Asia, with calls for more cooperation between the AFC and stakeholders.