FIFA.com - News

Barcelona to set up school in India

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:21:00 GMT

Barcelona are setting up a football school in India as they expand their coaching network worldwide with the aim of training 10,000 youngsters in the next three years.

The sweet taste of success

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:27:00 GMT

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s depicts a familiar trophy, but in a considerably tastier form.

Glory, goal machines and a goalie

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:03:00 GMT

An impressive milestone for Brad Friedel features along with goalscoring feats from Besart Berisha and Cristiano Ronaldo, and championship parties in Australia, Germany and India in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Familiar kings crowned in Australia, India

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:01:00 GMT

Brisbane Roar and Dempo SC clinched their respective championships in contrasting fashion while the leagues of Japan, China PR, Iran, New Zealand also feature in FIFA.com’s regular wrap of club football in Asia and Oceania.

Hard-won redemption for Korea DPR

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:28:00 GMT

Korea DPR put aside their early exit from Brazil 2014 qualifying to claim the AFC Challenge Cup. FIFA.com reviews the action from Asia’s second-tier tournament that was also marked by the emergence of Palestine and Philippines.

Blatter: The sleeping giant is awakening

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:00:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has been praising the development of Indian football in a visit to New Delhi, which concluded his successful Asian tour.

Forging talent in Steel City

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:54:00 GMT

Since 1987, India’s top talent has been honed at the Tata Football Academy in Jamshedpur. In our Video of the Week, FIFA.com takes a closer look at the renowned football school.

President Blatter set for Asian tour

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 20:10:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter is set to lead a delegation on an action-packed tour of Asia, visiting Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and India.

India's new PLS postponed

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:23:00 GMT

India's star-studded Premier Soccer League has been postponed after organisers announced that it had encountered "many problems".

Goals galore as leaders stumble

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s round-up of club action across Asia and Oceania reflects on rare losses for the frontrunners in Australia, Qatar, Jordan and India, while a host of elite goalscorers came to the fore.

Frontrunners struggle for momentum

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:37:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of league action in Asia and Oceania visits Australia, Qatar, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand, with the respective league leaders enduring vastly different fortunes.

Crespo leads Indian league auction

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:49:00 GMT

Hernan Crespo will be heading the the new Indian Premier League Soccer auction tonight, ahead of the likes of FIFA World Cup™-winner Fabio Cannavaro and former Arsenal star Robert Pires.

Renewed hope as India climb again

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:11:00 GMT

After a series of disappointments in 2011, India saved face with victory at December's SAFF Championship, which helped propel them up the latest FIFA Coca-Cola World Ranking as they strive for AFC Asian Cup qualification.

Comebacks, upsets and records

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:11:00 GMT

Thrilling comeback victories in Australia and India along with surprise results in Iran, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates highlight FIFA.com’s round-up of domestic events in Asia and Oceania.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:48:00 GMT

Featuring Sir Alex Ferguson on his ideal guests at a dinner party, Ezequiel Lavezzi on his popularity, Alejandro Sabella comparing Lionel Messi to Scalextric, and Alfredo Di Stefano justifying the jeering of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Leaders toppled, new challengers emerge

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:31:00 GMT

The long-term frontrunners in Australia and India were finally hauled in, while in Thailand new rulers have been crowned. FIFA.com’s weekly review of club action in Asia and Oceania also visits Japan, Iraq and New Zealand.

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.

Pakistan eye regional glory

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:07:00 GMT

With the South Asian's regional tournament set to kick off in Delhi this week, Pakistan captain Jaffar Khan hopes his side will can make a positive impression on their Indian hosts during their stay, as well as lift the title.

Goals galore as frontrunners endure

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com visits Australia, India, Uzbekistan, New Zealand and elsewhere on a goal-laden weekend of club football across Asia and Oceania.

Pedersen: It’s the place to be

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:58:00 GMT

Blackburn Rovers' Norwegian midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen speaks to FIFA.com about propping up the Premier League and how he believes perseverance, pride and confidence can help turn things around.

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.

Rivalries and fresh hopes abound

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of club matters across Asia and Oceania looks at the season-openers in India, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, derby time in Australia, and glory for Korea Republic’s Jeonbuk Motors.

Rovers triumph in India

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:09:00 GMT

Blackburn Rovers became the first Premier League side to play in India as Steve Kean's team recorded a 3-0 friendly victory over Pune FC, with striker Jason Roberts scoring twice.

Rovers set for October India trip

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:21:00 GMT

Blackburn Rovers are set to play their rearranged friendly with Pune Football Club, India on 7 October, after the original date in July was postponed because of terror attacks in Mumbai.

Indian fans await Messi magic

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:10:00 GMT

Argentina will meet Venezuela in the unlikely seating of India on Friday, with match promoters hoping that Lionel Messi's presence will see Kolkata's cavernous Salt Lake stadium filled with fans.

Sabella: Venezuela test is extremely important

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:33:00 GMT

Alejandro Sabella has said that his Argentina's friendly with Venezuela in India is "extremely important" due to the expectations on his side.

Liverpool to set up India academy

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:17:00 GMT

The English giants have revealed they will incept an academy in India with the goal of nurturing young players and helping football surpass cricket as the country’s top sport.

Bhutia ends Indian international career

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:25:00 GMT

Indian star Baichung Bhutia has called time on his career with his national team, after the 34-year-old has struggled with fitness in recent months, but will continue to promote the game within the country.

Japan handed awkward assignment

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 22:32:00 GMT

Asian champions Japan may not have it all their own way on the road to Brazil after they were pitted against fellow South African 2010 qualifiers Korea DPR, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in Group C. Elsewhere Australia will take on Saudi Arabia.

When small nations stand tall

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMT

The FIFA World Cup™ has always allowed small countries to stand on a level playing field with their bigger counterparts, and the likes of Uruguay, the Netherlands and Paraguay are testament to that fairytale.

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.

Qualifying tales through the ages

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:32:00 GMT

With the draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ set for Saturday, FIFA.com looks back on some of the more weird, wonderful and ground-breaking qualifiers since the first almost 80 years ago.

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.

Blackburn to set up Indian academy

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:37:00 GMT

Blackburn Rovers owners Venky's have announced they plan to open a youth academy in India, scheduled to open within the next 2 years, which will aim to take in 11 and 12-year-old players.

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.

Milestones, misery and a masterclass

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:22:00 GMT

FIFA.com's latest statistical review looks at Esteban Cambiasso and Robbie's Keane's new records, joy and despair in Goa and Monaco, and Barcelona's Xavi-inspired Wembley triumph.

Salgaocar see off Dempo to claim crown

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:04:00 GMT

Salgaocar were crowned I-League champions for just the second time on Monday after winning their final match 2-0 against JCT Mills, with Dempo's challenge finally ending despite setting a new record winning margin.

Persipura, Chonburi book last-eight places

Wed, 25 May 2011 17:44:00 GMT

Persipura Jayapura defeated Song Lam Nghe An 3-1 and Chonburi cruised to a comfortable win against Sriwijaya to reach the AFC Cup quarter-finals, as did Kuwait SC and Jordan big guns Al Wehdat.

Injury-hit Muang Thong hope for boost

Mon, 23 May 2011 21:06:00 GMT

Muang Thong United are hampered by injuries ahead of their AFC Cup last-16 match with Al Ahed, while Dempo are faced with the tough task of playing Iraq side Duhok on their home turf.

Keen contests continue across Asia

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:15:00 GMT

FIFA.com traverses the Asian continent with it’s weekly look at club football visiting Japan, Korea Republic, China PR, India, Uzbekistan and United Arab Emirates.

Iran champs crowned, Pohang return top

Mon, 16 May 2011 10:39:00 GMT

Domestic football in Asia was this weekend highlighted by Sepahan claiming an unprecedented third title in Iran, with FIFA.com’s regular review also taking in action from Korea Republic, Japan, China PR, Uzbekistan and India.

New leaders across Asia

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:43:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s regular review of club football in Asia looks at Japan, India, China and Korea Republic where new competition leaders took charge on the weekend, plus the latest from Singapore and Malaysia.

African footballers blanket the globe

Wed, 04 May 2011 07:11:00 GMT

While the biggest names in African football still gravitate to the bright lights of Europe, more and more are making a living where one might not expect - from USA to Korea Republic Qatar, India, Myanmar and many places in between.

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.

Asian Leagues review

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:15:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of Asian club football is headlined by the resumption of the J.League following last month’s natural disaster, while the championships in Iran and Saudi Arabia are close to being decided.