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Third meeting of the Football Task Force scheduled

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:14:00 GMT

The FIFA Football Task Force 2014 will convene under the chair of Franz Beckenbauer for its third meeting on 22 February 2012 in Zurich.

LIVE: FIFA President in Gabon

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:23:00 GMT

The FIFA President left Zurich for Libreville on Thursday for several key meetings and the final of the CAF African Cup of Nations between Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia. Follow live updates from Gabon.

FIFA extends worldwide sanction to 26 football participants

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:43:00 GMT

The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee Marcel Mathier has decided to extend the sanctions on 26 football participants worldwide, based on the content of current decisions made by two member associations.

Marta: I’m dreaming of Olympic gold

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:03:00 GMT

Marta chats to FIFA.com about Brazil's elimination from last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, the return of Jorge Barcellos as coach, her desire to become an Olympic champion in London and the most memorable moment of her career.

FIFA confirms Japan as host of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:22:00 GMT

FIFA and the Japan Football Association (JFA) are delighted to announce that the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012 will be hosted by Japan.

Tragedy in Port Said – FIFA provides financial support

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:07:00 GMT

FIFA has decided to donate financial aid of $250,000 USD to the families of the victims of last week’s tragedy in Port Said (Egypt) following the football match between Al Masry and Al Ahly.

Ferguson: We must be firm on racism

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:31:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that issues of racist behaviour are 'unbelievable' in 2012 and has called for the footballing authorities to adopt a tough line on any form or shape of discriminatory behaviour.

Brazil maintain perfect record, Argentina qualify

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:17:00 GMT

Brazil made it five trophies from five editions of the South American U-20 Women’s Championship with customary ease, while Argentina finished runners-up to join their arch-rivals in booking a trip to the world finals in Japan.

Training, tournaments dominate in Futsal

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:39:00 GMT

FIFA.com's latest monthly Futsal round-up reflects on another busy period of training seminars and tournaments, as well as the announcements of the hosts for the UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 and the UEFA Futsal Cup.

Europe’s contenders left in the cold

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:25:00 GMT

Europe’s big freeze saw havoc played with the fixture list in England, Belgium and the Netherlands, while there were shocks in store for the frontrunners in Italy, Spain and France. FIFA.com rounds up the weekend action.

Blatter congratulates Finland's new president

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:01:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written a letter to Sauli Niinisto, the former head of the Finnish Football Association who was recently elected President of Finland.

Auld enemies in international infancy

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

The year was 1875. The setting was The Oval. The teams were England and Scotland. The occasion was the fourth edition of international football’s oldest rivalry.

Argentina seal spot at U-20 finals

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:26:00 GMT

Argentina have secured the second and final South American berth to the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where they will be joined by newly crowned continental champions Brazil.

Blatter, guest of honour in South America

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:19:00 GMT

The FIFA President attended CONMEBOL’s Extraordinary Congress in the Paraguayan capital Asuncion, where between 3 and 5 February 2012 he took part in a variety of events.

Brazil reach women’s U-20 finals

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:02:00 GMT

Brazil qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup by beating Paraguay 8-0, while Argentina took a step towards joining them by defeating Colombia 3-1 in their penultimate game.

FIFA mourns deaths at football match in Egypt and offers assistance to the EFA

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:43:00 GMT

FIFA is deeply saddened by the tragic incidents which led to the death of football fans and others at last night’s match in Port Said (Egypt). FIFA is in mourning and our thoughts are with the families of all those who lost their lives.

Busacca at CONMEBOL Elite Referees Course

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:48:00 GMT

The Head of the FIFA Refereeing Department, Massimo Busacca, took part in this week's CONMEBOL Elite Referees Course covering various issues that are vital in the training and development of top-level referees.

FIFA President’s statement on Egypt disaster

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:37:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has expressed his shock and sadness following the catastrophic events in Port Said, Egypt today.

Necib: Zidane is my role model

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from the gifted France star Louisa Necib on her own footballing style, her hopes for London 2012 and the growing appeal of the women's game.

126th IFAB AGM Agenda confirmed

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:31:00 GMT

The 126th Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) will take place on Saturday 3 March under the chairmanship of The Football Association in Surrey, England.

Lyon ladies sign Japan's Otaki

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:50:00 GMT

Japanese university striker Ami Otaki has signed with French and European women's champions Lyon, and says she is aiming for the top.

Women's round-up: January 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s first monthly review of women’s football in 2012 looks at more success for Abby Wambach and Homare Sawa, plus the latest international and club happenings across the globe.

South Africa 2010 album makes a splash

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:13:00 GMT

“Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Album” has raised over $2.5m USD for African causes through the worldwide sales of the album and its singles.

Aussie queens crowned, Europe's elite endure

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:57:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of women’s club football reflects on the crowning of new champions in Australia, top spot changing hands in the Netherlands and the front three continuing to impress in Spain.

Rwanda banking on youth

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:06:00 GMT

The newly elected President of the Rwandan Football Association Celestin Ntagungira visited the FIFA President on Monday to discuss the state of the game in the African country.

Wave of inspiration at Canada conference

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:47:00 GMT

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™ host nation Canada was the venue as members of the CONCACAF football family convened - along with some high-profile guests - to share their Germany 2011 experiences.

Rupert Murdoch at the Home of FIFA

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:05:00 GMT

A delegation from News Corporation, the group which includes Fox Sports, led by its CEO Rupert Murdoch, paid a visit to the Home of FIFA on 26 January 2012.

Football Ferns go global

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:06:00 GMT

New Zealand women’s football has taken on a sharp new direction with an ever increasing number of players competing at top leagues overseas and, as FIFA.com examines, the Football Ferns are set to be the beneficiaries.

Blatter wishes Eusebio a Happy 70th Birthday

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:19:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has sent a letter to the Portuguese Football Association to commemorate the birthday of legendary former Portugal and Benfica star Eusebio, who turned 70 on Wednesday 25 January.

Lord Ouseley: Football has a huge role to play

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:01:00 GMT

British peer Lord Ouseley visited the Home of FIFA on Monday 23 January to meet with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter to talk about football’s continual fight against all forms of discrimination.

FIFA’s '11 for Health' moves up a gear in Africa

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:32:00 GMT

FIFA’s bid to spread the positive message of its ’11 for Health’ programme has continued this month, with Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia all playing host to a high-level delegation from FIFA’s Medical department.

Final push in Oz, drama in Europe

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:06:00 GMT

With nothing to choose between the top two in France, Barcelona imperious in Spain and penalty drama in Australia, it has been a busy week for women's club football, as FIFA.com reports.

Clubs’ economic difficulties and speculation in the transfer market go hand in hand

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:32:00 GMT

The fourth edition of the CIES Football Observatory’s Demographic Study is now available. It is an annual publication destined for anyone who wishes to acquire a scientific understanding of the European football players’ labour market.

Hosts Brazil eye more success

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:03:00 GMT

The Brazilian city of Curitiba today welcomes the fifth South American U-20 Women’s Championship, with the hosts and three-time continental champions strong favourites to emerge triumphant.

Blatter joins Russian celebrations

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:16:00 GMT

Joseph S. Blatter today joined a host of dignitaries from football and politics in celebrating the centenary of the Russian Football Union (RFU) in Saint Petersburg.

Perez: Our focus is to qualify for London

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:06:00 GMT

Mexico forward Veronica Perez has enjoyed an incredible two years, notably helping Las Aztecas book a place at Germany 2011, and FIFA.com spoke with the Mexican-American ahead of Olympic qualifying.

FIFA and ECA hold productive meeting in Zurich

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:14:00 GMT

Delegations from FIFA and the ECA have met in Zurich to discuss, among other things, insurance of players for all international “A” matches and financial compensation for clubs in relation to the FIFA World Cup.

Bringing the joy of football to Chinese youth

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:48:00 GMT

FIFA World Cup Sponsor Yingli Solar provided a memorable experience for a group of lucky Chinese schoolchildren by organising a challenge football match at a primary school in Beijing’s disadvantaged Dongcheng district.

Busy start to new year

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:19:00 GMT

In our first women's football review of the New Year, FIFA.com casts an eye over events in Europe, and surveys the impending play-offs in Australia.

Rewriting the rulebook

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:33:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at some of the most significant changes that have been made to the Laws of the Game since 1863, from the permitting of forward passes to the introduction of red and yellow cards.

Blatter mourns Miljanic passing

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:48:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to express his sympathy upon learning of the death of Miljan Miljanic who died recently.

Miguel Cardenal appointed as Secretary of State for Sports

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:06:00 GMT

Miguel Cardenal has been appointed President of the Superior Council of Sports and Secretary of State for Sport by the Spanish Council of Ministers.

FIFA/CIES: Two special awards

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:52:00 GMT

During a meeting held at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich on 13 January 2012, an international jury consisting of six members met to review all of the projects submitted for the 2012 FIFA/CIES International University Network Prize.

Palestine: launch of the third edition of the FIFA/CIES Programme

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:06:00 GMT

L’Université de Birzeit, partenaire du CIES depuis 2009, lance la troisième édition du Programme de management du sport FIFA/CIES. Le délai d’inscription est fixé au 20 janvier 2012.

FIFA Emergency Committee decision regarding Swiss Football Association

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:01:00 GMT

The FIFA Emergency Committee yesterday decided that the Swiss Football Association not be suspended in relation to the FIFA Executive Committee’s decision of 16 December.

Eaton: Let’s do something about match-fixing

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:10:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks to Chris Eaton, FIFA’s Head of Security, about the scale of the match-fixing problem across the globe, the new measures the organisation is taking to combat it, and its targets.

Schroder: We must have the right product

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:35:00 GMT

Turbine Potsdam coach Bernd Schroder ranks as a pioneering figure in the women's game. FIFA.com spoke exclusively to the 69-year-old about the developments in the female game and his own long career.

FIFA statement on FC Sion case

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:45:00 GMT

FIFA has taken note of today’s decision from the Swiss Football Association and will now now analyse the documents and submit them to the Emergency Committee.

Hope through the power of football

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:07:00 GMT

FIFA’s Football for Hope initiative has once again helped disadvantaged youths and communities across the world this year, with special focus on education, eco-consciousness and the fight against discrimination.

Blatter saddened by Barau passing

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:42:00 GMT

Following the passing of Nigerian international referee Awalu Barau, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation to express his sadness at the news.

Blatter sends condolences to Somalia

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:59:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to the Somali Football Federation following the death of five Somali football fans in a car accident on Tuesday 27 January.