FIFA.com - News

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.

Japan breezes past Hong Kong

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:31:00 GMT

A Keiji Tamada brace led Japan to a 3-0 victory over Hong Kong on Thursday, keeping their title hopes alive at the four-nation East Asian Championship.

East Asian nations prepare for South Africa

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:23:00 GMT

South Africa 2010 participants Korea Republic and Japan will have the opportunity to claim local bragging rights at the East Asian Football Championship.

Pompey owner to stabilise then sell

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:24:00 GMT

Balram Chainrai, who has just taken control of struggling Portsmouth, has revealed his plans to ensure the club's future before selling it.

Hong Kong eye another big scalp

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:14:00 GMT

Having already defeated Korea DPR, Hong Kong will be aiming for another giant-killing result when they face Japan in the final of the East Asian Games.

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.

Japan, Bahrain share pole position

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:59:00 GMT

Japan and Bahrain have an equal share at the top of their AFC Asian Cup qualifying group after wins over Hong Kong and Yemen respectively.

Uzbeks through as Thailand crash

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:07:00 GMT

Uzbekistan clinched a spot at Qatar 2011 with victory over Malaysia, while there were also AFC Asian Cup qualifying wins for Japan and Singapore.

Japan ease past Hong Kong

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:06:00 GMT

A sumptuous free-kick from Espanyol star Shunsuke Nakamura was the highlight of a comfortable Asian Cup qualifying win for the Samurai Blue.

Iraq's Arbil return to home action

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:41:00 GMT

AFC Cup action returns to Iraq for Arbil after a seven-year absence as they host Kuwait SC, while Hong Kong's South China will also look to make history.

Jordan shine on road to Germany

Mon, 04 May 2009 09:46:00 GMT

The long path to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup has commenced in Asia with Jordan joined by Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in the next stage.

Japan suffer shock loss

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:26:00 GMT

Three-time Asian champions Japan suffered a shock defeat in Bahrain on a big night of qualifying action for the AFC Asian Cup 2011.