Shoko Tsuji named General Secretary of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania

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Image credit: FIFPRO website

Shoko Tsuji has been appointed as the new General Secretary of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania. She brings extensive experience from her time at FIFPRO’s global headquarters, where she has overseen player relations strategy and managed the Global Player Council (GPC) since 2022.

In her role at FIFPRO, Tsuji played a key role in organising players across Asia and Oceania, including at major tournaments like the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, and the AFC Asian Women’s Club Championship. She also oversaw divisional research, conducted player surveys, and facilitated general assemblies in locations including New Zealand, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.

Tsuji’s appointment represents a major milestone for FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, as she is the first Asian woman to assume the role of General Secretary.

Looking back on her appointment, Tsuji is excited to take on the role as a spokeswoman for the region’s growth.

“I’m excited to take on this role and continue advocating for the region’s growth and influence. Increasing Asian and Oceanian representation in international sports governance has been a lifelong passion of mine,” she said via press release.

“As FIFPRO’s first-ever Asian hire, I’ve continuously pushed for greater inclusion of Asia/Oceania players in our global projects and campaigns, and I’m excited to bring my knowledge and passion to this role.

Takuya Yamazaki, Chair of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, expressed his approval of Tsuji’s appointment.

“Shoko’s passion for and understanding of the region, combined with her global experience and track record at FIFPRO make her the ideal leader to drive the Division’s agenda forward,” he said via press release.

“Her dedication to ensuring Asia/Oceania’s voice is heard and her strategic approach will be instrumental as we continue to enhance conditions and opportunities for players in this diverse and rapidly growing football region.”

Tsuji will oversee the execution of FIFPRO Asia/Oceania’s strategic plan in collaboration with the division’s board and member unions.

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A-Leagues partners with Champion Data to enhance broadcast experience

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Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has appointed Champion Data as its official broadcast graphics partner in a three-season agreement designed to enhance coverage of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women. The partnership will introduce Champion Data’s live graphics technology across broadcasts on Network 10 and Paramount+, delivering real-time statistics, scores and visual insights to help fans follow the action.

Champion Data will use its proprietary GGi platform to connect match data with broadcast graphics and production workflows. The system will support the delivery of clear, engaging information throughout matches, giving viewers greater insight into key moments and performances. The agreement also strengthens the APL’s commitment to improving the broadcast presentation of women’s football. Champion Data will bring the Ninja A-League Women’s production standards into alignment with the men’s competition, supporting a more consistent viewing experience across both leagues.

The APL expects the partnership to enrich its broadcast offering as audiences seek deeper insights and more engaging ways to follow Australian football. The new graphics package will help viewers understand match developments, track statistics and connect with the stories unfolding on the pitch. Champion Data will manage technical delivery, train broadcast operators and provide live matchday support throughout the agreement. This end-to-end approach will help production teams deliver accurate information and consistent graphics across both competitions.

The partnership builds on Champion Data’s experience in sports data collection, analytics and broadcast technology. They currently provide statistics for the AFL, V8 Supercars and Tennis Australia alongside many others. By integrating live match information with on-screen graphics, the company will help bring the tactical detail and drama of A-Leagues football to television and streaming audiences.

As the APL continues to develop its broadcast product across television and digital platforms. The partnership positions Champion Data as a key technology provider for the next three seasons. The collaboration will combine data expertise and broadcast innovation to improve how fans experience Australian football, bringing greater clarity, context and insight to every match.

Sydney Derby viewership revealed as Network 10 back football on primary channel

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Image Credits: A-League

Friday night’s opening fixture of the 2026/27 A-League Men’s season reached reached an audience of 434,000 people nationally across the free-to-air 10 Network. Less than a week on from the 207,000 that watched the Australia Cup final, it represents further reason to be cautiously optimistic about the season ahead.

Network 10 broadcast the Sydney Derby on it’s primary station, as opposed to last season’s airing on 10 Drama. The shift gives the opening match of the season a more prominent place on free-to-air television; whether the network continues to select choice matches to enjoy this status remains to be seen.

The figures show a positive trend in comparison to January’s meeting of the same sides, which attracted total broadcast audience of 114,000 and a national reach of 258,000 on Channel 10. Both matches faced fierce TV competition with January’s match rivalling the Australian Open on Nine and the 2026/2027 opener with the 2026 Men’s & Women’s Rugby League World Cup airing matches across the Seven Network on the same night.

The opening-round figure offers an early indication of the audience the competition can attract. Future rounds will show whether the A-League can maintain that reach across the season. The league will also look to convert that television exposure into sustained interest in its clubs and matches. Strong viewing figures can help strengthen the case for football in the Australian sporting market.

For now, the 434,000 national audience alongside strong attendance at the Australia Cup final provides a positive starting point for the 2026/27 campaign. The next challenge is to build on that audience as the season progresses.

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