FIFA.com - News

A tale of two Iranian legends

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

Iran have said goodbye to two of their greats with Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia - the latter a member of Team Melli’s famed France 1998 generation - recently announcing their retirements.

Underdogs impress as giants stumble

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews opening action in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 with unheralded Buriram United and Lekhwiya well placed to advance at the expense of highly-fancied opposition.

Esteghlal, Guangzhou & Kashiwa edge towards quarters

Wed, 15 May 2013 21:55:00 GMT

Esteghlal, Guangzhou Evergrande, Kashiwa Reysol and Lekhwiya all picked up impressive victories in the first legs of their last-16 ties.

Formidable tasks await first-timers

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:25:00 GMT

There are five teams competing in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League for the first time, and all face tough challenges. FIFA.com previews the action in Asia's top club competition.

Rejuvenated Esteghlal claim Iranian throne

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:36:00 GMT

Esteghlal claimed their first Iranian title since 2009 after a season of rejuvenation, largely thanks to the return of former coach Amir Ghalenoei. FIFA.com looks back across the concluded season in the Iran Pro League.

Fallen giants and brave novices

Thu, 02 May 2013 03:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the final matchday in the AFC Champions League notable for Thai outfit Buriram United sealing an unlikely progression to the knockout stage, while a host of former winners saw their hopes evaporate.

Lekhwiya, Al Shabab escape group stages

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:15:00 GMT

Lekhwiya and Al Shabab Al Arabi reached the AFC Champions League last-16, after all four teams in Group B fought for progress on the last day, while Al Shabab and Al Jaish qualified from Group A.

Mariners, Beijing, Bunyodkor all through

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:38:00 GMT

Australia's Central Coast Mariners reached the AFC Champions League knock-out phase for the first time despite a 3-0 defeat by Kashiwa Reysol, while Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor and China's Beijing Guoan also advanced.

Last chance for former continental kings

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the final group-stage matchday in the AFC Champions League with a host of former holders facing the exit door.

Eight progress, six crash out

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:38:00 GMT

Al Gharafa, El Jaish, Esteghlal, FC Seoul, Kashiwa Reysol and Guangzhou Evergrande all made it through to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League after an action-packed matchday 5.

Kashiwa Reysol take top spot, Mariners move second

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:54:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol earned a point in their 1-1 draw against Guizhou Renze, which is all they needed to advance to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League, while Central Coast Mariners moved into second place in Group H with a 1-0 win at Suwon Bluewings.

Group stage end in sight for Asian hopefuls

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:58:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews matchday 5 of the AFC Champions League this week where several teams will look to secure early passage into the Round of 16, including Guangzhou Evergrande, Al Gharafa and Kashiwa Reysol.

Giants stumble as strugglers bounce back

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the latest AFC Champions League action on a matchday that proved to be a major triumph for Saudi Arabia representatives as Al Ahli and Al Shabab became the first two clubs into the knockout stage.

Al Shabab and Al Ahli progress

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:34:00 GMT

Saudi Arabian duo Al Shabab and Al Ahli became the first teams to book their places in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League with wins today, while Vegalta Sendai collected their first ever win in the competition.

Lippi's Guangzhou poised for Asian knock-outs

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:37:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande eliminated Muangthong United from the AFC Champions League with a 4-1 win, while Ettifaq overpowered Al Shabab Al Arabi by the same scoreline and Al Hilal defeated Esteghlal 1-0.

Frontrunners eye early progression

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:01:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League group stage moves beyond the halfway point this week with a host of teams aiming to secure early progression led by in-form duo Al Ahli and Kashiwa Reysol.

Duo run riot, former champs open account

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:13:00 GMT

Just two teams - Al Ahli and Kashiwa Reysol - have maintained a perfect record after three rounds in the AFC Champions League following a matchday that saw three K League clubs outsmart their Japanese rivals.

Al Ahli stay perfect, Sanfrecce stumble again

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 02:48:00 GMT

Al Ahli maintained their perfect start in the AFC Champions League with a 4-2 win at Sepahan as the Saudis aim to better last year's runners-up finish, while it was another poor night for J.League champs Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Top contenders do battle in Asia

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com runs the rule over this week’s AFC Champions League action with a host group pace-setters squaring off as Asia's premier club competition approaches the halfway mark.

Haghighi, the new Eagle of Asia

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:56:00 GMT

Rubin Kazan and Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi reflects on his footballing journey so far in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com.

Trio stay perfect as surprises abound

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:14:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up this week’s AFC Champions League action with just three teams maintaining a 100 per cent record after two rounds as Asia’s premier club competition again displayed its highly competitive nature.

Beijing finally win, Kashiwa beat Mariners

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:46:00 GMT

China's Beijing Guoan saw off J.League title-holders Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 to break an eight-match winless run in the AFC Champions League, while Kashiwa Reysol overcame Central Coast Mariners 3-1.

Guangzhou draw at Jeonbuk, Urawa cruise

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:04:00 GMT

Jeonbuk Motors drew 1-1 at home to Guangzhou Evergrande in their AFC Champions League group-stage game, while former champions Urawa Red Diamonds returned to form by beat visiting Muang Thong United 4-1.

Jeonbuk, Pohang out for revenge

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 07:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews this week’s AFC Champions League action with a host of continental elite seeking to avoid being left behind on the back of successive defeats.

Uzbeks shine as Japanese stumble

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 01:17:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League group stage commenced in intriguing fashion with Uzbekistan and Iran representatives shining, however there were unusually modest results for Japan and Korea Republic clubs.

Uzbeks stun Sanfrecce, Cleo grabs winner

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:36:00 GMT

Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor provided the biggest upset of this year's fledgling AFC Champions League when they shocked J.League title-holders Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-0, while Cleo scored a winner for Kashiwa Reysol.

Former champs out to start with a bang

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:31:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League group stage kicks-off this week with a host of traditional elite joined by a number of competition debutants all seeking to be crowned Asian club kings.

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.

Queiroz: Pressure is part of my life

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 08:37:00 GMT

Since taking the role of Iran coach in 2011, Carlos Quieroz has been entrusted to guide them towards 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. He spoke to FIFA.com on the task at hand and discussed football in Asian, Portugal and Spain.

Familiar trio head up Asian contenders

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:50:00 GMT

Five days of action in Doha produced countless thrilling matches and an avalanche of goals but when the dust settled it was three familiar names in Iran, Japan and United Arab Emirates who had won through to Tahiti 2013.

Asian trio reach world stage

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Japan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates have scured Asia's three qualifying berths for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013.

All eyes on the Azadi

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:09:00 GMT

The stakes are incessantly high in the Tehran derby, and with Esteghlal out to consolidate their lead and Persepolis aiming to relieve the troubles of last season, its 76th installment is the talk of Iran.

Milestones and misfiring Africans

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Alessandro Del Piero's goalscoring heroics, Edinson Cavani and Michael Owen grabbing landmark goals and some wayward shooting in South Africa all feature in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Asian giants face challenge in Doha

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:31:00 GMT

The Qatari capital Doha is set to host the AFC qualifiers for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013, as teams hope for one of the three tickets to the event in September. FIFA.com previews the qualifiers.

Japan cruise as giants flounder

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 01:30:00 GMT

2012 witnessed the decisive fourth round of qualifying in the Asian Zone for Brazil 2014. It's Japan who appear to be in the strongest position, while Australia will look to make home advantage count during the next calendar year.

Syrians reign supreme in West Asia

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back at the highlights of the seventh edition of the WAFF Championship, and turns the spotlight on some of the teams that made their mark, most notably Syria who defied the odds to be crowned regional kings.

Derbies reflects passion of city rivals

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 05:35:00 GMT

The passion on display in this weekend's Manchester derby is reflected all over the world whenever city rivalry takes centre stage be it Buenos Aires, Cairo, Tehran or Glasgow.

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.

Lee Keunho crowned Asian player of the year

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:28:00 GMT

Ulsan Hyundai star Lee Keunho was crowned as Asian footballer of the year, having helped his side to an unbeaten run to lift the AFC Champions League.

Goal-shy Iran seek to build momentum

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 07:35:00 GMT

Iran’s rare defeat at Tehran’s imposing Azadi Stadium last week threw the spotlight on Team Melli’s misfiring attack, but all is not lost in their push for Brazil 2014 qualification as FIFA.com examines.

Brazilian futsal kings reign supreme

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 04:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the action from Thailand 2012, where A Seleção clinched the world title for a fifth time after overcoming old foes Spain in the final.

Nakata invention creates Japanese history

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 02:40:00 GMT

On its 15th anniversary, FIFA.com recalls the day a 20-year-old Japanese uncorked Iran in a play-off for a place at France 1998, inspiring Japan to their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

Victories excite Asian media

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:41:00 GMT

FIFA.com collects all of the reaction and comments from around Asia following the latest round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to take place across the region.

Trio celebrate as Iran stumble

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:09:00 GMT

Japan took a giant step toward early qualification for Brazil 2014, while Qatar and Iraq also picked up positive results on a night when Uzbekistan inflicted a rare home defeat on Iran.

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.

Familiar foes reunite in Asian showdowns

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in Asia as the final round reaches beyond the midway point, with a crucial matchday highlighted by Iran hosting Uzbekistan, and Japan travelling to Oman.

Knockout casualties out but not down

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com gathers reaction from the eight teams who bowed out from the round of 16 at Thailand 2012, with all but a couple able to look on the bright side.

Hosts out but Colombian dream lives on

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:01:00 GMT

New boys Colombia provided the shock result of the first Round of 16 ties at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012. FIFA.com reviews the latest events from Bangkok.

Colombia stun Iran to advance

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:12:00 GMT

Colombia have set up a quarter-final meeting with Ukraine after pulling off a shock 2-1 victory over traditional futsal powerhouses Iran.