FOR the first time in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup participating teams will receive prize money, soccer's governing body said in Shanghai yesterday.

A total of US$6.4 million will be distributed, including US$1 million to the winner, US$800,000 to the runner-up and US$650,000 to the third place team.

This is another step in FIFA's commitment to improve women's soccer in all aspects.

FIFA said 10 percent of the funds allocated to the member associations and confederations through the FIFA Financial Assistance Program must be invested exclusively in women's soccer.

Former star player Sun Wen hopes the tournament will help develop the sport further in China.

"Participating in the Women's World Cup is a dream for all the girl athletes," Sun said. "I believe the World Cup held in Shanghai can promote the development of women's soccer."

FIFA and UNICEF yesterday also officially kicked off Goals for Girls!, a joint campaign to harness the power of sport, particularly soccer, to promote education, gender equality and the rights of women and girls.