Socceroos snubbed in Asian awards

Socceroos defender Sasa Ognenovski won the top gong last year, but wasn't considered good enough to earn nomination this time.

Meanwhile, Asian champion Japan had Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda nominated.

The other contenders are Iranian defender Hadi Aghily, former winner Server Djeparov from Uzbekistan, Asian Cup top scorer Koo Ja-Cheol from South Korea and his countryman Yeom Ki-Hun.

Honda was named the most valuable player at the Asian Cup in Doha in January.

All three candidates for women's player of the year are Japanese after the country's World Cup success this year.

Homare Sawa won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the tournament in Germany, while goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori and Aya Miyama have also been shortlisted.

The AFC awards will be presented at a ceremony next week in Kuala Lumpur.