FIFA.com - News

Chetri shines as India retain crown

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:43:00 GMT

With striker Sunil Chetri at the fore, India once again proved themselves kings of their region, but the 2011 edition of the SAFF Championship will also be remembered for Afghanistan’s historic progress.

India down Afghans to retain SAFF title

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:07:00 GMT

India have successfully defended their South Asian Football Federation title after comfortably winning the final 4-0 against Afghanistan, who conceded a flurry of goals once they were reduced to ten men.

FIFA awards further TV rights for 2015-2022

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:16:00 GMT

The FIFA Executive Committee has decided on sales and distribution of FIFA media rights between 2015 and 2022 in Australia, Canada and the Caribbean, and awarded the sales representation for selected territories in Asia to Infront Sports & Media.

Afghan star Hadid astride two worlds

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 08:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com tells the remarkable story of striker Mustafa Hadid, who plays international football for Afghanistan despite being an amateur and plying his trade in the fifth tier of German football.

A historic day for Palestinian football

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:31:00 GMT

Palestinian football took major step in its development as a footballing nation, after it hosted its first ever FIFA World Cup™ qualifier, where they drew 1-1 with Afghanistan.

Favourites progress as stars shine

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:27:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil has been completed, seeing a barrel-load of goals scored around Asia, with the likes of big-guns Vietnam being joined by first-time qualifiers Philippines.

Stern tests for Asian hopefuls

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:33:00 GMT

The chance to mix with Asia's big guns is up for grabs this weekend, with 16 of the continent's minnows battling it out in the second legs of the preliminary qualifying round.

Preliminary journey kicks off in Asia

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:03:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ kicked off in Asia on Wednesday, with Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh convincing in their respective openers. FIFA.com reviews all the action.

Vietnam convince on preliminary road

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:35:00 GMT

Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia are in comfortable position to advance to the second round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ in Asia, with respective wins over Macau, Pakistan and Laos.

Sixteen hopefuls embark on Brazil path

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:29:00 GMT

Asia's lowest-ranked teams are set to begin continental qualifying for the 2014 tournament, with Sri Lanka-Philippines, Bangladesh-Pakistan and Malaysia-Chinese Taipei among the most appetising matches on the menu.

Afghanistan embrace new dawn

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:39:00 GMT

A victory over Sri Lanka helped Afghanistan climb ten places to 164th - their highest-ever position - on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

No change at the top as Senegal soar

Wed, 18 May 2011 09:01:00 GMT

With very little action, there was minimal change on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. However, Senegal did leap into the top 50 for the first time in over two years and Afghanistan also made ground.

Brazil 2014 draw stirs Asian hopefuls

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the Asian qualifying draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ which has thrown up a host of intriguing match-ups as some of the continents smaller footballing nations seek a share of the spotlight.

Asia's Brazil 2014 draw made

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMT

The AFC has conducted the draw for Asia’s first and second round qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Asian Zone to play preliminary round for Brazil 2014

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:38:00 GMT

The members of the Asian Football Confederation are gearing up to begin the race for FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, with the draw for qualification set to take place on 30 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bengal Tigers roar again

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:01:00 GMT

After a dearth of regional success Bangladesh has found form at the right time to claim bragging rights by winning the recent South Asian Games.

India reign in South Asia

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:18:00 GMT

India reclaimed the South Asian Football Federation Championship with a hard-fought final victory over last year's winners, the Maldives.

Beach soccer lays roots in Dubai

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:31:00 GMT

November 2009 will go down as a historic date for beach soccer in Dubai, with minds now focused on developing the discipline in the UAE.

Zimbabwe foiled by Ghana's new Pele

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:13:00 GMT

The eldest son of legend Abedi 'Pele' Ayew rescued Ghana in a draw with Zimbabwe as surprise results continued at the African Championship of Nations

Heavy blows for Asian giants

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Surprise results were on the menu in Asia as Japan and Saudi Arabia were both beaten on a Wednesday full of thrills and spills.

Big wins in Asia

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:58:00 GMT

Gamba Osaka came out on top of a seven-goal thriller on Wednesday while J-League champions Kashima Antlers strolled to another huge victory.

Afghans fall for women’s football

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:16:00 GMT

Idealism and enthusiasm in equal measure fuel Klaus Stark's passion for Afghan football. FIFA.com spoke to the devoted German coach.

What is the most exciting league?

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:58:00 GMT

Planet football is home to a number of captivating national championships. But which, do you feel, is the most most exciting league in the world?

Blatter welcomes AFF President

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:13:00 GMT

On Monday 28 January 2008, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter received an Afghanistan Football Federation delegation led by President Karim Keramuddin.

Asian route marked out

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:42:00 GMT

Asia's FIFA World Cup preliminaries have been decided, with the continent's big five set to start with home fixtures against the groups' underdogs.

Asia's ups and downs

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 11:51:00 GMT

The Asian confederation has produced more than its fair share of joy and drama in FIFA World Cup qualifying down through the years.

Favourites clear first hurdle

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:25:00 GMT

Despite some courageous underdog attempts, the favourites all completed aggregate wins to clear the first hurdle in the race to South Africa 2010.

Aspirants out to preserve dream

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:30:20 GMT

Fifteen decisive first round, second leg matches will take place on Sunday as Asia takes a step towards determining its representatives in South Africa.

Goals galore in Asian qualifiers

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:58:00 GMT

Thailand, Singapore and a west Asian trio were among the biggest winners as Asia's FIFA World Cup hopefuls set out on the road to South Africa.

Asian hopefuls target South Africa

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:20:00 GMT

From 8 October, the Asian Zone preliminary round first-leg qualifiers for the South Africa 2010 will kick off in the world's biggest continent.

Quartet make home advantage count

Thu, 24 May 2007 10:01:00 GMT

Home advantage proved decisive as Sepahan, Uwara Reds, Al Karama and Seongnam Chunma booked their passage to the last eight of the competition.

Japan's Urawa into Champions League quarters

Wed, 23 May 2007 13:59:00 GMT

J-League champions Urawa Red Diamonds drew 0-0 with Sydney FC on Wednesday to clinch a place in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

Frontale make history as trio progress

Thu, 10 May 2007 14:10:00 GMT

Kawasaki Frontale were among the three teams who claimed places alongside defending champions Jeonbuk Motors in the last eight of the competition.

AFC chief re-elected

Tue, 08 May 2007 07:08:00 GMT

Mohamed Bin Hammam was elected unopposed to a second four-year term as Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president.

Quartet edge closer to last eight

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:02:00 GMT

After a tense and hard-fought fourth round of matches, four teams have inched to within touching distance of the quarter-finals.

Asian Cup ticket sales start

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:25:00 GMT

Tickets have gone on sale online for the AFC Asian Cup finals, where the presence of Australia has increased interest in the tournament to new heights.

Eastern duo lead the way

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:39:00 GMT

Japan and Korea Republic set the standard for Asia by qualifying for the final stage of Olympic qualifiers with two matches to spare.

Shandong & Al Wahda set the standard

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:54:00 GMT

China's Shandong Luneng and Al Wahda of UAE maintained their winning streaks, while a Japanese duo edged closer to the last eight.

Ecstasy for east Asians

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:03:00 GMT

Japan, Korea DPR and Korea Republic yesterday celebrated victories in the latest round of qualifiers for Beijing 2008.

Giantkillers emerge as favourites fall

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:07:00 GMT

It was a day of surprises in Asia as several of the AFC Champions League favourites suffered stunning setbacks in Wednesday's second round matches.

AFC chief Bin Hammam re-elected to new four-year term

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 05:44:00 GMT

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed Bin Hammam has been re-elected unopposed to a second four-year term, with his position to be formalised in May.

Asian celebration for Sydney

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:31:00 GMT

Inaugural winners Al Ain lost out, but the main Champions League headline-grabbers were Sydney FC, who tasted their first Asian victory away to Shanghai Shenhua.

Aussies bolster Asian field

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 13:16:00 GMT

Matchday 1 of the 2007 AFC Champions League sees Aussie duo Sydney FC and Adelaide United come up against the cream of Asian club football for the first time.

Zidane hails Asian football's progress

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 12:34:00 GMT

Zinedine Zidane has praised Asian football's recent progress, adding that players like Shunsuke Nakamura are inspiring a generation.

Vietnam end Afghans' Olympic dreams

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:29:00 GMT

Afghanistan's Olympic hopes were brought to an end with a 2-0 defeat to Vietnam in their re-arranged qualifier on Wednesday.

Italy oust Brazil to take top spot

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:35:00 GMT

Brazil's remarkable 55-month run at the top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking standings has been ended by the Azzurri.

Asia planning major leagues' revamp

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 01:10:00 GMT

Ten of Asia's top football leagues are set to be revamped as part of the AFC's drive to make them more commercially viable and attractive to fans.

English FA to help Asian football development

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:19:00 GMT

England's Football Association has agreed to support the development of soccer in Asia with the signing of a four-year memorandum of understanding.

FIFA mourns Abdullah Khalid Al Dabal

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:29:00 GMT

The Saudi Arabian Khalid Al Dabal, a former member of FIFA's Executive Committee, passed away on 27 January after suffering a heart attack in Abu Dhabi.

Big guns meet in final four

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:06:00 GMT

The curtain went down on the first phase of the 2007 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship on Wednesday as four teams booked spots in the semi-finals.