FIFA.com - News

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com is once again looking forward to another week of footballing birthdays, with two hot shots from Madrid in Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao alongside Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov in line for a celebration.

Diogo signs short-term Sofia deal

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:08:00 GMT

Former Real Madrid midfielder Carlos Diogo has agreed a six-month contract with Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia and has the option to extend that deal for a further two years.

Stoichkov takes over at Lovech

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:13:00 GMT

Former Bulgaria star and European Footballer of the Year, Hristo Stoichkov, has been announced as the new coach of domestic champions Litex Lovech.

Yakubu double helps Rovers stun United

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:47:00 GMT

A Yakubu double and a Grant Hanley winner eanred Blackburn Rovers a stunning 3-2 win away to Manchester United that moved them off the foot of the Premier League.

Ferguson: Tottenham can win the league

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:56:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson has said Tottenham Hotspur play the most attractive football in the Premier League and can win the competition, discussed Manchester United’s injury problems and revealed Dimitar Berbatov will be offered a new deal.

Ferguson: We've really hit good form

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:48:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson has enthused about Manchester United’s momentum following back-to-back 5-0 wins, and discussed their injury problems, Dimitar Berbatov’s return to form and the title race with Manchester City.

Mihaylov named Bulgaria's top player

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:08:00 GMT

Nikolay Mihaylov has been named Bulgaria's Player of the Year, with the FC Twente goalkeeper beating Aston Villa captain Stilian Petrov and Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov into second and third respectively.

Moraes: The CSKA fans amaze me

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:47:00 GMT

Brazilian forward Moraes speaks to FIFA.com about enjoying life at CSKA Sofia and his amazement at how passionate their fans are, and discusses the Bulgarian title race and a potential move to Italy or Spain.

Penev replaces Matthaus at Bulgaria helm

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:50:00 GMT

Former Bulgarian international and CSKA Sofia coach Lyuboslav Penev has been put in charge of his native national team, replacing Lothar Matthaus.

Sofia’s Eternal Derby

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:42:00 GMT

With more than half a century's worth of league titles between them, it is no surprise that Sofia sides CSKA and Levski maintain a fierce rivalry, but FIFA.com looks into the deeper history of the ETernal Derby.

Wales end on a high note

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:30:00 GMT

Gareth Bale ensured Wales finished their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign in triumph as he struck late in the first half to seal a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia.

Greece, Belgium push for qualification

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:36:00 GMT

Greece moved into pole position in UEFA EURO 2012 qualification Group F after beating fellow contenders Croatia 2-0, while Belgium beat Kazakhstan 4-1 to move into second in Group A at Turkey's expense.

Matthaus dismissed by Bulgaria

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:24:00 GMT

Lothar Matthaus has been sacked as coach of Bulgaria after the team's failure to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012, the Bulgarian Football Union announced today.

Petrov not planning to quit

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:38:00 GMT

Bulgaria's record appearance holder Stilian Petrov has dismissed the idea of retiring from international football, despite his country's failure to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012.

Shaqiri treble sees Swiss beat Bulgaria

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:54:00 GMT

Switzerland secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Bulgaria, with youngster xherdan Shaqiri scoring a hat-trick for the winners to boost their slim chance of UEFA EURO 2012 qualification.

Germany book place, giants edge closer

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:47:00 GMT

Germany made sure of their place at UEFA EURO 2012 in emphatic style on Friday, while Italy, the Netherlands, France and England all moved a step closer to joining them.

Rooney double deals Bulgaria a blow

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:31:00 GMT

Wayne Rooney bagged a brace after Gary Cahill opened the scoring in a convincing 3-0 victory for England over Bulgaria to set the Three Lions well on their way to qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012.

Matthaus to extend Bulgaria contract

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:06:00 GMT

Lothar Matthaus is to extend his contract with the Bulgaria national team, being tied to the side until 2013, with a view to leading Bulgaria through their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifiers.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:05:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com looks across the upcoming week of birthdays, with the likes of Marcelo Balboa, Filippo Inzaghi and Jazier Zanetti all set to celebrate.

Benfica, Twente stroll through

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:38:00 GMT

Portuguese giants Benfica secured progression to the UEFA Champions League play-offs at the expense of Trabzonspor, with FC Twente, Rubin Kazan and Malmo also advancing.

The Preliminary Draw in quotes

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:20:00 GMT

FIFA.com has been gathering reaction from players, coaches and officials to today's Preliminary Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

Exiled nations eye World Cup return

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:48:00 GMT

From Egypt through Colombia to Hungary, FIFA.com looks at some of the nations aiming to end extended absences from the FIFA World Cup by qualifying for Brazil 2014.

Berbatov: I am misjudged

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:48:00 GMT

Dimitar Berbatov has said people have misjudged his laid-back style of play as evidence that he doesn't care, but the Manchester United forward has looked to clarify that he does have a passionate desire to win.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 07:31:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to what's set to be a big week of footballing birthdays, with current stars Daniele de Rossi and Maicon set to celebrate alongside former stars Jose Luis Chilavert and Jurgen Kilnsmann.

Atletico dealt Norwegian Europa trip

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:11:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid will face Norwegian side Stromsgodset, who last appeared in the UEFA Cup 13 years ago, while Stoke City have been been paired against Hadjuk Split in the UEFA Europa League.

Benfica to face Trabz after UEFA draw

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:33:00 GMT

The draw for the UEFA Champions League has taken place, with a number of exciting ties being thrown up, including Benfica taking on Trabzonspor and Rubin Kazan facing national neighbours Dynamo Kiev.

Sporting sign Bojinov from Parma

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:16:00 GMT

Sporting have completed the signing of former Manchester City and Juventus forward Valeri Bojinov from Parma, with the Bulgarian signing a five-year deal to join the Portuguese side.

Key victories see groups tighten

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews Saturday's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying matches, which featured a poor result for England, victory and a landmark for Republic of Ireland, and results which have tightened the top of many groups.

Berbatov fighting for United future

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Manchester United have signed Michael Owen to a new one-year contract, bringing into question forward Dimitar Berbatov's future at Old Trafford after he was held out of the Champions League final line-up.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 28 May 2011 08:41:00 GMT

Fabio on getting into trouble because he was confused with his twin, Francesco Guidolin on his dancing being as bad as his cycling is good, and David Moyes on why an Everton goal came right from a comic strip.

Matthaus: Stability is my priority

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:48:00 GMT

Germany’s most-capped player Lothar Matthaus speaks exclusively to FIFA.com about the Bundesliga, Germany's up-and-coming starlets, and life as Bulgaria coach.

United clear barriers to outrank Liverpool

Mon, 23 May 2011 11:35:00 GMT

Manchester United cleared several barriers to outrank Liverpool as the record 19-time English champions, while Manchester City clinched third place and the FA Cup as Chelsea and Arsenal suffered disappointing campaigns.

Who’ve been the stars of 2010/11?

Wed, 18 May 2011 10:09:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know which players have impressed you the most during the 2010/11 season across Europe.

Eastern delight for old giants and new kings

Fri, 13 May 2011 07:32:00 GMT

From Dinamo Zagreb to Videoton, FIFA.com casts an eye over the teams who have either won or are leading the various title races across eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Berbatov to miss Schalke semi-final

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:21:00 GMT

Dimitar Berbatov has not travelled with the Manchester United squad to face Schalke in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow night, with the Bulgarian struggling with a groin strain.

Caps, captains and a goalkeeping centurion

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:39:00 GMT

Rogerio Ceni, David Villa, Kevin Kilbane, Wesley Sneijder, Samir Nasri and Esteban Cambiasso help make up an all-star cast list as international football dominates FIFA.com's latest statistical review.

Bulgaria and Switzerland left goalless

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 19:46:00 GMT

Bulgaria and Switzerland are left six points adrift of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group G leaders England and Montenegro as they were both frustrated with a goalless draw.

Swiss banking on benefits of experience

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:03:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with experienced trio Alexander Frei, Marco Streller and Hakan Yakin to discuss their compatibility in the Switzerland side and upcoming trip to Bulgaria in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying.

Berbatov bags massive three points

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:19:00 GMT

Manchester United took a large step towards winning the Premier League as Dimitar Berbatov scored a late winning goal to give their ten men a 1-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers.

Matthaus names squad to face Swiss

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 13:16:00 GMT

Lothar Matthaus has named his squad to face Switzerland in their crucial UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier, where captain Stiliyan Petrov will look to make his 100th cap.

Disciplinary proceedings against officials in relation to international matches

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:21:00 GMT

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against six match officials in relation to the international A friendly matches Bolivia-Latvia and Estonia-Bulgaria played in Antalya (Turkey) on 9 February 2011.

Berbatov baffled by away form

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:17:00 GMT

Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov has bemoaned his side's form away from home, discussed the quality of the Premier League, and admitted he sometimes suffers from a crisis of confidence.

When one goal just won’t do...

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:20:00 GMT

Even the most casual fan will tell you that football is all about the goals, and with this in mind, FIFA.com takes a tour of some of history's most potent feats of scoring.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 07:44:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents some of the biggest names from Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 08:51:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents some of the biggest names from Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Hat-trick hitmen light up Europe

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 07:24:00 GMT

Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov leads a host of in-form European hat-trick hitmen from the weekend which also includes Arsenal's Robin van Persie, Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano.

Dembele’s rocky road to senior stardom

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:52:00 GMT

A graduate of Clairefontaine, Garra Dembele was tipped as a superstar of the future. And though it has taken the Levski Sofia striker some time, he finally appears to be en route to fulfilling his potential.

Berbatov tops in Bulgaria again

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:41:00 GMT

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has been voted Bulgarian footballer of 2010 for a record seventh time, the Bulgarian Football Union announced on Monday.

Holders drop out in Europe

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:29:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid failed in their last-ditch attempt to qualify for the UEFA Europa League knock-out stages, while Anderlecht succeeded in scraping through thanks to results going their way elsewhere.

Villas-Boas: Our goal is to win

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:20:00 GMT

Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas wants the Portuguese side to finish their successful UEFA Europa League group campaign on a winning note.