Articles by Paul Williams

About Paul Williams

Paul Williams is an Adelaide-based football writer who has reported on the comings and goings of Asian football for the past decade. Having covered the past two Asian Cups, he writes regularly about the J.League for Optus Sport in Australia, while he also regularly contributes to Arab News. Further, he has previously been published by outlets such as FOX Sports Asia, Al Jazeera English, FourFourTwo, and appeared on numerous TV and radio shows to discuss Asian football.

POD VERDICT: Who will win the ACL Elite Final?

April 24, 2026 Paul Williams

So the stage is set again for another compelling AFC Champions League Elite Final, between two teams with massively contrasting styles and stories. On one side, the giants of Jeddah, Al Ahli. The defending champions […]

EXCLUSIVE: Japan & Saudi Arabia big winners from ACL Elite shake-up

April 21, 2026 Paul Williams

Japan and Saudi Arabia stand to be the big winners from the revamped AFC Champions League, with as many as six clubs qualifying to participate in the AFC’s continental club competitions from next season onwards. […]

OPINION: Time for AFC to admit defeat on centralised Finals format

April 17, 2026 Paul Williams

Let me preface this by saying that I like and support the changes announced this week to future editions of the AFC Champions League Elite. A move from 24 to 32 teams makes sense, it […]

Kye Rowles on Socceroos, World Cup and moving to MLS

April 9, 2026 Paul Williams

There’s little more than a month remaining until Australian coach Tony Popovic names his squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup. Plenty of intrigue exists as to who will make the final cut, with defender […]

Popovic searching for answers as World Cup looms

March 27, 2026 Paul Williams

The door remains open. That is the message from Tony Popovic this week ahead of the final international window before he has to name his squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup squad. While some […]

Japan eye Women’s World Cup to boost local support

March 25, 2026 Paul Williams

Fresh from winning the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the third time in the last four editions, Japan are looking to capitalise on their success and use the momentum generated from their success in Australia […]

‘Better than Europe!’ Is women’s football ready for a new Gulf era?

March 24, 2026 Paul Williams

Picture this: a women’s football club that has within its squad players with a combined eight UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, one each of the Women’s Euros, Copa America Feminina, and an Olympic Gold Medal […]

TAG Podcast: Japan crowned champions of Asia

March 22, 2026 Paul Williams

On a joyous night for Japanese football, the Nadeshiko have cemented their place at the summit of Asian football with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Japan. Paul Williams was in Sydney for the history making […]

Japan return to the summit of Asia after nail-biting win over Australia

March 21, 2026 Paul Williams

Japan has cemented their place at the top of women’s football in Asia with a third Women’s Asian Cup crown in four editions after once again getting the better of Australia at Stadium Australia on […]

Australia storm into Women’s Asian Cup Final at the ‘House of Kerr’

March 17, 2026 Paul Williams

Welcome to the House of Kerr. Three games. Three goals. Three wins. As if there was any doubt for the superstar born in the Western Australian capital, but Perth is officially Sam Kerr territory. As […]