AFC Women's Champions League Aims to Elevate Asian Soccer

The launch of the AFC Women's Champions League seeks to close the gap with Europe and North America, offering new opportunities for clubs and players.

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.