Under a new centralised contract system announced by Football Federation Australia (FFA), Matildas stars such as Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter will be paid an equal amount as big-name Socceroos like Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan.

They will also be afforded business class flights to international fixtures and tournaments, like the men.

"Football is the game for everyone, and this new collective bargaining agreement is another huge step toward ensuring that we live the values of equality, inclusivity and opportunity," said FFA chairman Chris Nikou.

Son was one of 30 players to make the final shortlist in the men’s category, while Kerr was one of 20 to be selected on the women’s side.

Spanish-based Korean youngster Lee Kang-in was also among nominees, earning a place on the 10-man shortlist for the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best performing player aged 21 or under.

Australian striker Kerr scored Chicago’s decisive eighth-minute goal after a sublime pass from Japanese 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Nagasato, continuing the seemingly telepathic understanding between the pair, who respectively lead the league for scoring and assists.

Kerr’s goal was her 19th of the NWSL season, while Nagasato’s defence-splitting assist was the ninth of the campaign for the 32-year-old, with eight of them having been converted by Kerr.

The Matildas goal machine and 2017 AFC Women’s Player of the Year found the back of the net twice in Chicago Red Stars’ 3-1 win over Washington Spirit, taking her season tally to 18; one more than the previous record she set in 2017.

Kerr’s 18 goals have come in just 20 appearances, and despite her missing a month of league football due to Australia’s participation in FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, where she scored five goals in four matches.

The side will travel to Busan for next month’s tournament, where they will face Korea Republic, Japan and China PR as a replacement team for DPR Korea, who withdrew from the event this week.

Chinese Taipei will appear in the final stage of the competition for the first time since 2010 having finished second in last December’s Second Preliminary Round, where they defeated both Hong Kong and Mongolia before losing 2-0 to China PR.

Group A will have DPR Korea, hosts Korea Republic, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Group B pitted Australia, hosts China PR, Thailand and Chinese Taipei.

Bell, 58, is Korea Republic’s first foreign women’s national team coach after signing a three-year deal, which lasts until the conclusion of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The appointment ends the search for a full-time successor to former coach Yoon Duk-yeo - who took the side to the past two FIFA Women’s World Cups – after former player Hwang In-sun served as interim boss during this month’s tour of the United States, which included a creditable 1-1 draw against the world champions.