FIFA.com - News

FIFA extends further sanctions for match-fixing

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:35:00 GMT

The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has extended sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Committee of the Finland Football Federation on six players to have worldwide effect.

Streaks, strikes and a new sensation

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:06:00 GMT

Mario Gomez, Eden Hazard and 17-year-old Joel Pohjanpalo feature alongside Fluminense and Manchester United in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Goals aplenty as national teams grab spotlight

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:59:00 GMT

With the weekend designated for international women’s fixtures, FIFA.com runs the rule over UEFA Women’s EURO 2013 qualifiers and the latest contest between Germany 2011 finalists USA and Japan.

Dutt dismissed by Leverkusen

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:14:00 GMT

Robin Dutt has been sacked as Bayer Leverkusen coach after their fourth consecutive Bundesliga defeat at home to Freiburg yesterday, with Sami Hyypia and Sascha Lewandowski taking temporary charge.

Paatelainen: I don't like to copy anyone

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:30:00 GMT

Now a year into his role as Finland coach Mixu Paatelainen tells FIFA.com about overseeing generational change in the national team, his attacking philosophy and aspirations for Brazil 2014 qualifying.

Club hibernation ends in Norway, Sweden

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the club scene in Scandinavia, where the Norwegian Tippeligaen and Swedish Allsvenskan are both set to kick off following the long Northern European winter.

France conquer as Canada take silver

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the action from this year's Cyprus Women's Cup, where in-form France claimed the trophy for the first time with a 2-0 victory over Canada and Italy seized bronze.

Paatelainen excited by Finland's future

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:10:00 GMT

Finland are back up to 79th spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, signalling a fresh start after the Jari Litmanen and Sami Hyypia era. FIFA.com spoke exclusively to coach Mixu Paatelainen about their recent progress.

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.

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.

Gladbach sign Ring on loan

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:36:00 GMT

Borussia Monchengladbach have signed HJK Helsinki midfielder Alexander Ring on an 18-month loan deal and have an option to buy the Finland international in a permanent transfer.

Curtain falls on glittering careers

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:35:00 GMT

As the year comes to an end, FIFA.com casts an eye over the famous footballing talents who have finally called time on their careers, including the likes of Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro.

Hungary, Finland end with drab draw

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:20:00 GMT

Hungary and Finland brought their unsuccessful UEFA EURO 2012 campaigns to an end with a drab 0-0 draw, with Finland edging the game on chances, but Gabor Kiraly ensured it remained goalless.

England join EURO elite

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews an exciting night of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying action that saw England secure their place at next year’s finals, and Montenegro and Sweden confirm play-off berths.

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.

Sweden ensure place in play-offs

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:31:00 GMT

Sebastian Larsson and Martin Olsson handed Sweden a 2-1 win at Finland, which ensured that Erik Hamren's side will at least qualify for the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs.

Nordic kings crowned

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:17:00 GMT

With title races drawing to a close across Scandinavia, FIFA.com looks at the teams taking home the trophies in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands.

Trio book 2012 berths

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:44:00 GMT

In an exciting night of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying action, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands all won to secure their places at next summer's tournament, while England took a step closer to joining them.

Dutch down ten-man Finland

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 20:32:00 GMT

The Netherlands collected another three points in their campaign to qualify for UEFA EURO 2012, seeing off Finland 2-0 with goals from Kevin Strootman and Luuk de Jong.

Hamalainen brace boosts Finland

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:40:00 GMT

Kasper Hamalainen bagged a brace in a comfortable 4-1 victory for Finland over Moldova in their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group E match.

Pukki signs for Schalke

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:25:00 GMT

Schalke left it late to make Teemu Pukki their final signing of the summer with the contract registered just before the transfer deadline last night.

Paatelainen: A new era for Finland

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks to Finland coach Mixu Paatelainen about the challenges of replacing legendary players and leading his country to a first-ever major tournament.

Robben, Afellay missing for Dutch

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:17:00 GMT

Bert van Marwijk has left injured duo Arjen Robben and Ibrahim Afellay out of his squad to face San Marino and Finland next week, although he hopes the former could still play some part.

Schalke cruise, Braga scrape through

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:09:00 GMT

Schalke cruised back from a first-leg deficit to beat HJK 6-1 and secure their place in the UEFA Europa League group stage, while Atletico Madrid eased past Vitoria, and Braga narrowly beat Young Boys.

Kanoute optimistic ahead of Europa tie

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:08:00 GMT

Frederic Kanoute has said he is confident Sevilla can turn around their 2-1 deficit against Hannover in the UEFA Europa League tomorrow, while Roma and Schalke similarly have to turn around their ties.

Scottish clubs in danger of Europa meltdown

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:39:00 GMT

Celtic, Rangers and Hearts all face significant challenges on Thursday if they are to maintain Scottish interest in this year's UEFA Europa League.

Spurs shine as Schalke, Roma falter

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:51:00 GMT

Tottenham, Lazio and PSG were the major winners amid a heavy schedule of UEFA Europa League play-off action, while there were shocks for Roma, Sevilla and UEFA Champions League semi-finalists Schalke.

Stoke in pole position, Schalke tumble

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:13:00 GMT

An 18th-minute goal from Danny Pugh lifted Stoke City to a 1-0 victory over FC Thun, while Schalke were stunned by a 2-0 loss to Finnish club HJK Helsinki in their UEFA Europa League qualifying matches.

Starlets, shutouts and silverware

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:05:00 GMT

This week, the first trophies of the English and Italian seasons feature alongside some amazing qualifying stories at Colombia 2011, a record-breaking transfer deal and two youthful goalscorers.

Schmadtke welcomes Sevilla test

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:18:00 GMT

After being dealt a tough draw against top-seeds Sevilla, Hannover 96 director of sport Jorg Schmadtke has said while it is the glamour tie, it will be a big ask for his side to make it through to the group stage.

Dinamo fight back, OB deny Panathinaikos

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:07:00 GMT

Dinamo Zagreb came from behind to beat HJK Helsinki 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie, while OB drew Panathinaikos 1-1 and FC Copenhagen took a 1-0 edge over Shamrock Rovers.

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.

Russia reign at disabled world finals

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:01:00 GMT

Russia claimed the title at the Cerebral Palsy International Sports & Recreation Association Football World Championships, and were also among eight nations who secured tickets to the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Americas in focus as records crumble

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 06:15:00 GMT

Historic results at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, titles for Nacional and Velez, impressive scoring feats in Finland and doughty German defending feature in FIFA.com's latest statistical review.

Germans motor on, Ibra lifts Swedes

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:59:00 GMT

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit a hat-trick as Sweden overwhelmed Finland to improve their qualification hopes, while Germany put a firm foot in the European finals and Faroe Islands upset Estonia.

Ibrahimovic treble ignites Swedish charge

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:18:00 GMT

Substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hat-trick, helping Sweden to a convincing 5-0 victory over Finland that moved the team within three points of the Netherlands in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group E.

One last mission for EURO hopefuls

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at what is at stake ahead of the final six UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers of the season on Tuesday, with the likes of Germany and Sweden topping the bill.

Sweden aim to reduce Dutch lead

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:50:00 GMT

Sweden will be without injured captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic as they aim to cut Netherlands' Group E lead by beating Moldova, while the other group game features Finland against San Marino.

Hyypia: I've had two fantastic years

Sat, 14 May 2011 12:28:00 GMT

Sami Hyypia has described his final two years with Bayer Leverkusen as "a perfect ending" to his career, but feels the time is now right to retire as he struggles to maintain a high level of fitness.

Fantasy king receives a Kia

Fri, 13 May 2011 06:03:00 GMT

We caught up with McDonald’s FIFA World Cup™ Fantasy winner zercy-FIN after he received his brand new Kia Sorento.

Adel is the Nordic champion

Thu, 12 May 2011 16:31:00 GMT

Adel Daher booked his seat at the Grand Final after winning a dramatic Live Qualifier involving players from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.

Hyypia hangs up his boots

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:12:00 GMT

Sami Hyypia has called time on his trophy-laden career at the age of 37, and now plans to move into coaching with current club Bayer Leverkusen and the Finland national team.

Finns appoint Paatelainen

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:28:00 GMT

Mixu Paatelainen has been appointed as the new Finland coach and will leave his job as Kilmarnock coach to charge charge of the national team with immediate effect.

Hyypia: Happy to be Leverkusen's grandad

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:14:00 GMT

Sami Hyypia speaks to FIFA.com about life under Jupp Heynckes at Bayer Leverkusen and the Germans' chances of pulling off a Europa League shock against Villarreal.

USA lay down a marker

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:05:00 GMT

USA have reminded everyone of their Germany 2011 credentials by claiming their eighth Algarve Cup ahead of the likes of Japan, Norway and Sweden. FIFA.com reviews the tournament.

Calm before the storm in northern Europe

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:21:00 GMT

As most of the Nordic nations prepare to begin their 2011 league campaigns, FIFA.com takes a tour around Scandinavia to see what lies in wait.

Rangers reduce gap on Celtic

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:49:00 GMT

Rangers defeated St Johnstone 4-0 today, putting them two points closer to Scottish Premier League leaders, Celtic, who ended their 17-match unbeaten run in a 2-0 loss to Motherwell.

Leekens hands first cap to Chadli

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:46:00 GMT

Nacer Chadli has been given his maiden call-up to the Belgium squad by coach Georges Leekens for next week's friendly against Finland, having declared he will play for the nation as opposed to Morocco.

Finland look to the next generation

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:31:00 GMT

With Jari Litmanen and Sami Hyypia entering the twilight of their careers, Finland are looking to a new generation, Finland are looking to a new generation, spearheaded by the goals of Mikael Forssell to help them rise up the Ranking.