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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Samantha Lewis

Human rights issues swirl around the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. They cannot be ignored

Matildas players during a training session at Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Matildas players during a training session at Sam Kerr Football Centre. The 2026 Women’s Asian Cup kicks off this weekend in Perth. Photograph: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Just over a year ago, 18 senior players from the Bangladesh women’s national team threatened to retire from international football in protest of their alleged treatment by their head coach.

In an emotional media conference, captain Sabina Khatun stood in front of a tangle of microphones – in an image reminiscent of Lydia Williams when the Matildas went on strike in 2015 – to accuse Peter Butler of verbal abuse, body shaming, mental harassment, and inappropriate comments about their private lives.

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