FIFA.com - News

Asian women begin bid for Canada

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:11:00 GMT

The journey towards the newly enlarged 24-nation FIFA Women’s World Cup™ begins this week for Asia’s aspirants with the continent set to field a record number of contenders.

West Asian duo maintain perfect run

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 01:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews all the action from Friday’s abbreviated AFC Asian Cup matchday with Bahrain and United Arab Emirates the big winners, as 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan were undone on the road.

Asian favourites open brightly

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 02:55:00 GMT

The journey towards AFC Asian Cup qualification began with continental giants Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia opening in bright fashion while ten-man Hong Kong managed to collect a point on the road against 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan.

Journey to Asian glory opens with key match-ups

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:34:00 GMT

The long road to qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia commences on Wednesday with a massive matchday featuring ten matches and four former continental kings. FIFA.com previews all the action.

Tough draw for Chinese champions

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:33:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande have been placed in a group containing Jeonbuk Motors and Urawa Red Diamonds when the 2013 AFC Champions League draw was made today.

What is international football’s biggest rivalry?

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know what you feel is the biggest rivalry in the international game.

Former champions handed tough draws

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:36:00 GMT

China PR, Iraq, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have been grouped together in AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifying, while Iran will join Kuwait, Thailand and Lebanon in another tough pool.

Hong Kong flying high in the Year of Dragon

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:20:00 GMT

Following an impressive ten place rise in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking since the turn of the year, FIFA.com focuses on the strides Hong Kong are making under new coach Ernie Merrick.

Mixed experiences for title challengers

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:50:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest club action in Asia and Oceania with a whistle-stop tour of Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Hong Kong, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and the Pacific.

Arteta: I can’t wait to visit Everton

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:40:00 GMT

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has expressed his love for Everton and why he feels he deserves a good reception upon his return to Goodison, while Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood has spoken of Robin van Persie’s happiness at the club.

Late action makes the difference

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:34:00 GMT

Champions Jeonbuk Motors kicked off the new Korea Republic season with an epic late win, injury-time incidents made all the difference at the top in Australia, while Auckland City are the first team into the OFC O-League final.

A tale of Brazilian supremacy

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:16:00 GMT

With enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the seventh FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand later this year, FIFA.com looks back at the tournament's history, with Brazil the dominant force.

Rehman joins Hong Kong's Kitchee

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:07:00 GMT

Former Fulham defender Zesh Rehman has joined Hong Kong champions Kitchee Sports Club on an 18-month deal after a spell in Thailand.

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.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:27:00 GMT

Singapore celebrated, while China PR were among the biggest winners as the final places in Asia's third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers were decided. FIFA.com rounds up the action.

China score six, Saudis hit five

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:56:00 GMT

Asia's big guns in the preliminary qualification for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ saw their names make it into Saturday's Preliminary Draw with big wins as Saudi Arabia and China scored five and six apiece.

Asian hopefuls in do or die deciders

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:42:00 GMT

Asia's second round of qualifiers reaching a climax today, with no fewer than 30 sides battling it out on the road to 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. You can follow the action live on FIFA.com.

Asian favourites draw first blood

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying in Asia, which saw the traditional favourites take an advantage over their underdog opponents.

China, Jordan among convincing winners

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 23:36:00 GMT

Asia's second qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ got underway with China notably beating Laos 7-2, Jordan firing nine unanswered goals past Nepal, and Qatar seeing off Vietnam 3-0.

Thirty hopefuls begin road to round three

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 06:55:00 GMT

Some intriguing second round, first legs are in store, with Kuwait-Philippines, Qatar-Vietnam, Singapore-Malaysia and United Arab Emirates-India catching the eye.

Favourites prevail in Asian qualifiers

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Australia were among the AFC heavyweights who coasted through to the final round of qualifiers for London 2012, while the likes of Oman and Malaysia sprung major surprises.

Kezman: Football has left me complete

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 06:34:00 GMT

Mateja Kezman's career may be reaching its latter stages, but having just completed a stint in Hong Kong with South China, the prolific Serbian continues to enjoy the kind of cultural odyssey only football can offer, as he told

FIFA.com.

Just the start for confident Kitchee

Fri, 20 May 2011 02:53:00 GMT

Hong Kong's Kitchee have ended a 47-year drought by claiming the domestic championship under the guidance of Josep Gombau, and the former Barcelona academy director chats to FIFA.com about his experiences.

Nakata headlines Japan quake charity match

Wed, 18 May 2011 06:27:00 GMT

Hidetoshi Nakata will feature in next week's earthquake charity match in Hong Kong, turning out for local side Kitchee against Spain's Villarreal.

Al Wehdat first through in AFC Cup

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:55:00 GMT

Jordan's Al Wehdat are the first team into the AFC Cup knockout stage maintaining their perfect record with a 1-0 win over Kuwait SC, while Vietnam's Song Lam Nghe An, Hong Kong's TSW Pegasus and Thailand's Chonburi all won easily.

Kezman strikes, Carrijo nets four

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:55:00 GMT

Mateja Kezman gave South China a much needed first win in the AFC Cup, giving their prospects of qualifying from Group H a boost, while Leandro Carrijo scored four in a 5-3 goalfest between TSW Pegasus and VB.

East Bengal, South China futures at stake

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:39:00 GMT

East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan and South China coach Chan Ho Yin both expect their AFC Cup Group H match to be especially critical in their campaign to stay in the competition.

Kean confirms India friendly plans

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:45:00 GMT

Manager Steve Kean has confirmed that Blackburn Rovers are planning a trip to India as part of their summer pre-season preparations, with Brazilian giants Flamengo a possible opponent.

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.

South China and East Bengal suffer blows

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:29:00 GMT

Chonburi FC inflicted another blow to South China's AFC Cup hopes in a 3-0 win, while Persipura Jayapura thrashed East Bengal 4-1, and Hanoi T&T earned a 2-0 win over Victory SC.

Al Qadsia gain revenge over Al Ittihad

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:36:00 GMT

Kuwait's Al Qadsia gained a measure of revenge for defeat in last year's AFC Cup final as second-half goals from Firas Al Khatib and Hamid Inizi helped them to victory against defending champions Al Ittihad of Syria.

AFC Cup action resumes

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:34:00 GMT

The AFC Cup will resume today highlighted by Hong Kong's TSW Pegasus meeting with Indonesia's Sriwijaya, while Kuwait's Al Qadsia travel to Syria's Al Ittihad in a repeat of last year's final.

Muang Thong triumph, South China stumble

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:24:00 GMT

Thai champions Muang Thong United commenced their AFC Cup campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Hanoi T&T, while new signings Mateja Kezman and Nicky Butt failed to lift South China past Persipura Jayapura.

Butt, Kezman set for Asian bows

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:12:00 GMT

Hong Kong club South China are set to unveil big name new arrivals Nicky Butt and Mateja Kezman on the continental stage when they host Persipura Jayapura in their AFC Cup opener.

Champs Al Ittihad make winning start

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

AFC Cup holders Al Ittihad began their title defence in winning fashion with the Syrians edging a 2-1 win over Al Saqr, while Indian champions Dempo were victorious by the same scoreline against Yemen's Al Tilal.

South China sign Kezman

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:04:00 GMT

Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Mateja Kezman has signed for Hong Kong side South China, with chairman Steven Lo claiming the move proves the extent of the club's ambitions.

Butt considers return in Hong Kong

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 10:03:00 GMT

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Nicky Butt is considering coming out of retirement to play for South China in Hong Kong and could stay for the remainder of the season.

Messi sinks Brazil, Spain slump in Lisbon

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 23:14:00 GMT

Argentina hit the headlines in Wednesday’s international action by beating Brazil for the first time in five years, world champions Spain came unstuck in spectacular fashion against Portugal while England lost to a rejuvenated France.

Santa Cruz helps Paraguay thrash Hong Kong

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:26:00 GMT

Roque Santa Cruz hit a brace as Paraguay overwhelmed Hong Kong 7-0, with Nestor Ortigoza and Cristian Riveros also scoring twice apiece.

Korea Republic sweep aside China PR, Qatar crash out

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:20:00 GMT

Korea Republic beat China PR 3-0 to qualify for the Asian Games quarter-finals to face Uzbekistan who knocked out reigning champions Qatar, while Iran and Oman both qualified to set up a tie against one another.

Hong Kong finally qualify, champions Qatar follow

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:06:00 GMT

Hong Kong ended a 52-year wait to reach the knockout rounds of the Asian Games after a 4-1 win over Bangladesh, while Qatar topped Group D after a 2-0 win over neighbours Kuwait.

India, Bangladesh on brink of games exit

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:15:00 GMT

India gave defending Asian Games title holders Qatar a run for their money in their Group D tie, with the Middle Eastern side needing two late goals to run out 2-1 winners, all but eliminating India, with Bangladesh facing a similar fate.

Al Karamah advance to quarters

Wed, 12 May 2010 03:37:00 GMT

Syria's Al Karamah remain on course for a second successive appearance in the final of the AFC Cup advancing to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win against Nasaf.

Al Riffa claim cup shock

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Qatar's Al Rayyan suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Bahrain's Al Riffa, while last season's semi-finallists South China finally registered a win in the AFC Cup.

Valero remains cautious for AFC Cup

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:30:00 GMT

The coach of Syrian club Al Ittihad Tita Valero sys his side will be cautious against Kuwait's Al Qadsia when AFC Cup action resumes today.

Final three claim Asian Cup berths

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:19:00 GMT

The field for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 has been completed with Australia, Kuwait and Jordan taking the final places for the January tournament.

Chinese shock 2010 hopefuls

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:15:00 GMT

China’s East Asian Championship win has raised hopes for the world’s most populace nation but left Japan and Korea Republic with dented confidence.

China take East Asian Championship

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:33:00 GMT

China won the East Asian Championship after beating Hong Kong 2-0 and watching Japan crash to defending champions Korea Republic 3-1.