����Ӱ�� announces key appointments for 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup LOC

����Ӱ�� is pleased to announce the appointment of two senior leaders to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, further strengthening its preparations for the tournament.

Bill Allen joins as Tournament Director, while Alex Hamilton has been named Executive General Manager – Event Growth & Experience.

����Ӱ�� Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, expressed his confidence in the new appointments and the pivotal roles they will play in ensuring the success of the tournament.

“Bill and Alex are outstanding leaders in their fields, and their combined expertise will be pivotal in delivering a world-class AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Their appointments reflect our commitment to excellence as we aim to create a tournament that showcases the very best of women’s football and leaves a lasting legacy for the game in Australia and across Asia.”

He continued, “Bill’s operational expertise and track record in major tournaments ensure that every aspect of the event’s delivery will be meticulously planned, while Alex’s vision for fan engagement and growth will amplify the tournament's reach, connecting new audiences and enhancing the overall experience for fans. Together, they bring the capability to deliver an unforgettable event that will not only inspire but also elevate the profile of women's football on a global scale.”

Allen joins the LOC with extensive experience from a distinguished career in the sports and events industry. Most recently, he served as Head of Operations for the highly successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and has also held key roles in delivering the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015™ and in Qatar 2011.

His expertise in stakeholder management, project and event operations, competition, and venue planning will be critical as preparations progress. Known for his strong leadership and collaborative approach, Allen’s appointment ensures that the tournament is in safe hands and will be delivered seamlessly.

“I’m excited to join Sarah Walsh and be part of the team bringing the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to Australia,” said Bill Allen.

“With the momentum of the recent Women’s World Cup behind us, I look forward to continuing the growth of women’s football locally and across Asia, whilst delivering a tournament that will inspire players and fans alike.”

Alex Hamilton brings a fresh and innovative perspective to the LOC, having spent the past 12 years in tennis leadership, including in her role as Chief Event Officer for the Australian Open. 

During her tenure, Hamilton played an integral role in driving the transformation and growth of the event and enhancing the fan and player experience year on year.

As Executive General Manager – Event Growth & Experience, she will lead efforts to deliver a world-class fan experience and engage new markets, particularly within the Asian diaspora, ensuring long-term support for football beyond the tournament.

“I’m thrilled to bring my experience from tennis into football and help create a truly exceptional event that will leave a lasting impact,” said Hamilton.

“I look forward to working closely with the ����Ӱ�� team, the Asian Football Confederation and our Government partners to create and deliver an incredible event experience that will resonate with fans across the entire region.”

The LOC continues to grow as preparations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ intensify, and the team is working diligently to ensure an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and communities alike. ����Ӱ�� looks forward to announcing further milestones in the coming months as the countdown to the tournament continues.