FIFA.com - News

Yanga-Mbiwa admits surprise at selection

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:34:00 GMT

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has confessed his surprise at being named in France's provisional UEFA EURO 2012 squad, while injured Loic Remy is determined to prove his fitness.

Sociedad retain Montanier for next season

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:35:00 GMT

La Liga side Real Sociedad have released a statement to confirm that coach Philippe Montanier will remain in charge of the team next season.

Kahlert: Form on the day will be decisive

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:56:00 GMT

With 1. FFC Frankfurt out to record a fourth victory in their fifth UEFA Champions League final appearance, FIFA.com spoke exclusively to coach Sven Kahlert about his side’s upcoming game against Lyon.

Blanc names preliminary EURO squad

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:51:00 GMT

France coach Laurent Blanc has named a preliminary 26-player squad for the UEFA EURO 2012, naming Yoann Gourcuff who has been suffering with injury and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa for the first time.

Divergent fortunes for European finalists

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of women’s club action focuses on the varied experiences for Lyon and Frankfurt ahead of this week’s UEFA Women's Champions League final, while there is also the latest from Denmark and the USA.

Hampden poetry in motion from Zizou

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:33:00 GMT

On the tenth anniversary of Real Madrid’s meeting with Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League final, FIFA.com recalls how a tight contest was settled by one of the most breathtaking goals in football history.

Le Toux savouring Stateside success

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:40:00 GMT

Five years after moving to the USA in 2007, French forward Sebastien Le Toux is now a major figure in MLS. Vancouver Whitecaps’ new talisman spoke to FIFA.com about his positive experience stateside.

Vieira: Senegal can compete on big stage

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:28:00 GMT

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira talks exclusively to FIFA.com about his native Senegal's chances at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament and the prestige of the competition.

Remy faces race for fitness

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:24:00 GMT

Loic Remy could miss UEFA EURO 2012 after the France striker suffered a thigh injury which could rule him out for four weeks while playing for his club Marseille on Sunday.

Saha: I'm 33 but still a child

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:20:00 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur's French striker Louis Saha speaks about some of the challenges he's faced and overcome in a career punctuated by injuries, as well as his recently-published and insightful autobiography.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 13 May 2012 09:24:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 12 May 2012 09:48:00 GMT

This week's quote selection sees Neymar being showered in praise, Diego Maradona on his love of Napoli, Delio Rossi explaining his sacking and Roberto Mancini comparing Yaya Toure to one of football's all-time greats.

Wenger urges Arsenal to finish third

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:47:00 GMT

Arsenal Wenger has discussed Arsenal’s recent slip-up and told them to secure third place themselves rather than relying on other results, while Laurent Koscielny has spoken about their recovery from a dreadful start to the season.

Koscielny: Our start was a catastrophe

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:41:00 GMT

Lauren Koscielny has admitted that Arsenal's morale was at rock bottom after their start of the season, which the French defender describes as "a catastrophe" after they were without a win in their first five games.

The weird & wacky world of footie celebrations

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:28:00 GMT

Sometimes foolish, sometimes spontaneous, sometimes hackneyed and over-planned - FIFA.com takes a closer look at some of football's most memorable title celebrations.

Martin, Boudebouz ready for final push

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:10:00 GMT

Sochaux are facing two games to prolong their 64-year stay in Ligue 1, and home grown stars Marvin Martin and Ryad Boudebouz told FIFA.com they are desperate to save the side for the fans and the region.

Lyon's win at Evian ties up fourth

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:41:00 GMT

Lyon, who have already qualified for the UEFA Europa League, have virtually assured themselves of a fourth-placed Ligue 1 finish with a 3-1 win at mid-table Evian.

Bini: The truth is on the pitch

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:05:00 GMT

Colourful France coach Bruno Bini tells FIFA.com about his football philosophy, innovative player management techniques and, with London 2012 looming, the reasons behind Les Bleues breakthrough success in recent years.

Wenger: It's an honour for me

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com talks exclusively to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, the official coach for the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012.

Blanc recalls Ben Arfa in foreign EURO brigade

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Hatem Ben Arfa's outstanding season with Newcastle United earned him a call-up by France coach Laurent Blanc when he named the 12 foreign-based players he will take to EURO 2012.

Garcia: Everything is possible on the final day

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:42:00 GMT

Despite being five points off the pace with only two rounds remaining, Rudi Garcia believes victory over leaders Montpellier can inspire his Lille side to retain their title.

Giroud intrigued by Bayern

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:27:00 GMT

Oliver Giroud has said he has been investigating into the positives of life at Bayern Munich, with the Montpellier striker saying he has spoken to fellow Frenchman Franck Ribery after reported interest from the German club.

Midfield experience concerning Blanc

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:36:00 GMT

Laurent Blanc feels the lack of leadership and experience within France's midfield ahead of UEFA EURO 2012 is a concern, an issue which he admits has been a long-term problem.

Traore's faith rewarded

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:58:00 GMT

Bakaye Traore's move from Nancy to AC Milan has just been made official, providing a positive end to a season that started in nightmarish fashion for the Malian international midfielder.

Traore set for Milan

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:32:00 GMT

AC Milan's ranks are set to be bolstered by Malian international Bakaye Traore, who has revealed he will be making a free transfer from Nancy.

Titles, trebles and a Wembley wizard

Wed, 09 May 2012 05:35:00 GMT

Didier Drogba stars alongside Lionel Messi, Diego Milito and Yoan Gouffran in FIFA.com's latest stats review, which also features title triumphs for Ajax and Anderlecht.

Make your FIWC dreams come true

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:28:00 GMT

The final online qualification season for the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 kicked off on 1 May. Don't miss out on your chance to qualify for the Dubai Grand Final!

Benayoun plans fond farewell, Arsenal eye M’Vila

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Yossi Benayoun has discussed his enjoyable loan spell at Arsenal and insisted he is not concerned about his parent club Chelsea for the time being, while the Gunners are reportedly ready to make Yann M’Vila their record signing.

Girard cools Montpellier title talk

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:53:00 GMT

Rene Girard has urged his Montpellier troops to give it their all in their final two Ligue 1 outings, but, despite being three points clear at the summit, played down their chances of winning the title.

Tense title duels and cup success

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:51:00 GMT

While FC Zurich celebrated cup glory in Switzerland, the title races continued apace in Spain, Germany and France. FIFA.com reports on the latest women's football action from around the continent.

Spain eye unique treble as EURO looms

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:59:00 GMT

A month out from the kick off to UEFA EURO 2012 champions Spain have maintained the tag of favourites as the tournament ventures into new territory in Poland and Ukraine.

PSG edge on top, Lyon slip up

Sun, 06 May 2012 22:49:00 GMT

Paris Saint-Germain retook top spot by the slenderest of margins after their 4-3 win in a thrilling encounter with Valenciennes saw them move above Montpellier on goals scored, while a draw for Lyon dents their UEFA Champions League hopes.

The five-point European review

Sun, 06 May 2012 22:41:00 GMT

It was nerve-shredding stuff for football fans in many parts of Europe as the top leagues go down to the wire. FIFA.com reviews the weekend action.

Brest draw dents Lyon's hopes

Sun, 06 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Lyon's faint hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification have been all but extinguished after they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Brest.

Blanc: Ben Arfa back in contention

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT

France coach Laurent Blanc told television station TF1 on Sunday that Newcastle United's Hatem Ben Arfa has played himself back into contention for a place in his squad at UEFA EURO 2012.

Happy birthday to you

Sun, 06 May 2012 08:32:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Sagna breaks leg, misses EUROs

Sat, 05 May 2012 16:16:00 GMT

Bakari Sagna will miss UEFA EURO 2012 as the France international broke his leg for the second time this season, going over on it during Arsenal's 3-3 draw with Norwich in the Premier League.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 05 May 2012 09:23:00 GMT

Featuring Andrea Stramaccioni on his new fame, Pepe Mel on just how badly he wants his Real Betis team to avoid relegation, Tito Vilanova criticising Jose Mourinho, and Clodoaldo on why Neymar has surpassed Lionel Messi.

Wenger, nine that define 900

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:43:00 GMT

As Arsene Wenger prepares to take charge of his 900th game as Arsenal manager against Norwich City today, FIFA.com looks back at nine of the most memorable games of his 15-years reign.

Sirigu calls for confidence, leaders face Rennes

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:50:00 GMT

With the Ligue 1 title race hotting up after Montpellier dropped points in midweek, Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has said the must be confident in chasing the title, while the leaders face Rennes this weekend.

Auxerre spark late survival bid

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:20:00 GMT

Auxerre gave their survival hopes a big boost as they defeated fellow strugglers Dijon 2-0 to climb out of the relegation zone in Ligue 1.

PSG beat Saint-Etienne, back in title race

Wed, 02 May 2012 22:53:00 GMT

Paris Saint-Germain are right back in the Ligue 1 title race, with a 2-0 victory over Saint-Etienne and a draw for Montpellier enough to put them within three points of the summit.

Lille remain on title trail, Lyon impress

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:32:00 GMT

Defending champions Lille moved up to second place in Ligue 1 with a narrow 1-0 win over Nice, while Lyon remained on course for a fourth place finish after a 4-1 defeat of Valenciennes.

FIWC training with Arsene Wenger

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:37:00 GMT

Every week, Arsene Wenger - our official FIWC12 coach - will present a video tutorial covering an important aspect of modern football. Wenger is joined by FIWC veteran Andre Buffo, who will demonstrate the manager's tactics on the virtual pitch.

Camara apologises for penalty miss

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:10:00 GMT

Montpellier's Souleymane Camara has apologised to his team-mates after admitting he took his late penalty "very badly" in his side's 2-2 draw with Evian.

Women's round-up: April 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 09:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com recaps events in April, including qualifiers for the UEFA Women's EURO, FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women's World Cups and a look ahead to the Women's Olympic Football Tournament.

Outlook positive for Poland's Obraniak

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:39:00 GMT

Since swapping Lille for Bordeaux in January, Polish international Ludovic Obraniak has gained crucial playing time in the lead-up to UEFA EURO 2012.

Japanese trio set for French Cup showdown

Wed, 02 May 2012 01:40:00 GMT

Montpellier have won their way through to the French Women's Cup final for the fourth straight year with the showdown against Lyon set to feature three Japanese stars.

Montpellier slip up in ill-tempered draw

Tue, 01 May 2012 22:34:00 GMT

Montpellier failed to take advantage of a last-minute penalty, and were made to settle for a 2-2 draw with Evian as tempers flared in their Ligue 1 clash.

Bastia return to Ligue 1

Tue, 01 May 2012 21:32:00 GMT

After a seven year absence, Bastia claimed their place in Ligue 1 next season after a 3-0 win over Metz assured not only their promotion, but also they will finish champions of the second tier.