FIFA.com - News

Quiet man De Oliveira heads for home

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:56:00 GMT

Known in Brazil for his calm and measured approach, Oswaldo de Oliveira led Kashima Antlers to three consecutive J-league titles and is now looking for success with O Fogão.

Yano rejoins Niigata from Freiburg

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:53:00 GMT

Japan striker Kisho Yano, a member of the Blue Samura's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, has returned to former club Albirex Niigata from German side Freiburg.

FIFA confirms Japan as host of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:22:00 GMT

FIFA and the Japan Football Association (JFA) are delighted to announce that the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012 will be hosted by Japan.

Shocks blow open qualifying race

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:34:00 GMT

Crucial late goals were the order of the day in Asian qualifying for London 2012 with Korea Republic securing a draw but fellow frontrunners Japan were stunned by a last-gasp winner, while Uzbekistan are on the cusp of qualification.

East Asians look to tighten grip

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:16:00 GMT

Well-placed Japan and Korea Republic have London 2012 in their sights as Asian qualifying resumes for the year, while the remaining group is a four-way contest between Australia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

Just 500 days until Brazil 2013 kick-off

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:02:00 GMT

The countdown to the next FIFA Confederations Cup continues apace, with just 500 days until the Brazil 2013 edition of the ‘Festival of Champions’ gets underway.

Lyon ladies sign Japan's Otaki

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:50:00 GMT

Japanese university striker Ami Otaki has signed with French and European women's champions Lyon, and says she is aiming for the top.

Women's round-up: January 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s first monthly review of women’s football in 2012 looks at more success for Abby Wambach and Homare Sawa, plus the latest international and club happenings across the globe.

Bolton seal Miyaichi loan

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:31:00 GMT

Bolton Wanderers have picked up Arsenal's Japanese starlet Ryo Miyaichi, with the pacey winger moving to the Reebok Stadium until the end of the season.

Kagawa double extends Dortmund run

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Borussia Dortmund are now 13 games unbeaten after recording a 3-1 home victory over Hoffenheim, with a brace from Shinji Kagawa and one from Kevin Grosskreutz doing the damage.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:31:00 GMT

Featuring Cristiano Ronaldo on looking good, Mario Basler on which footballer he'd chose to watch over a supermodel, Pep Guardiola on who he'd like to be reincarnated as and Miroslav Klose on having his feet kissed.

Okada: I want new success in China

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:51:00 GMT

Former Japan coach Takeshi Okada spoke with FIFA.com about his latest ambition to build Hangzhou Greentown into a title-winning club in the Chinese Super League as he leaves his successes with the Blue Samurai behind.

Players to watch in 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:40:00 GMT

From Thiago Alcantara through Ross Barkley to Julian Draxler, FIFA.com casts an eye over some of football's most exciting emerging talents, for whom 2012 promises to be a landmark year.

Cologne loan Makino to Urawa Reds

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:38:00 GMT

Cologne have announced that they have loaned Japanese defender Tomoaki Makino, who has made just eight appearances in two seasons, to J.League side Urawa Red Diamonds

Universal acclaim for Ballon d’Or winners

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:46:00 GMT

After captivating fans throughout 2011, football’s top players and coaches received well-deserved accolades at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala on Monday, where FIFA.com was on hand.

Sawa: A very exciting night

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:09:00 GMT

After she was crowned FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Homare Sawa spoke to FIFA.com about her achievements in 2011 and excitement at attending the Gala in Zurich.

Norio Sasaki: I feel so honoured

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with Norio Sasaki after the Japan manager was named FIFA Women's Football Coach of the Year at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 Gala in Zurich.

Messi, Sawa, Guardiola and Sasaki triumph at FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:13:00 GMT

Argentina’s Lionel Messi collected the FIFA Ballon d’Or, his third consecutive title while Japan’s Homare Sawa claimed her first FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award at the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala.

Japan FA scoops Fair Play Award

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:43:00 GMT

Japan's FA was handed the Fair Play Award for 2011 at the FIFA Balon d'Or Gala in recognition of the Asian country's amazing perseverance in the face of huge obstacles.

Lee set to link with Southampton

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:35:00 GMT

Tadanari Lee, scorer of Japan's winning goal in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup final, is set to sign for English Championship frontrunners Southampton from J.League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

FC Tokyo win thrilling Emperor’s Cup final

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:30:00 GMT

A Lucas double helped FC Tokyo come from behind to beat Kyoto Sanga 4-2 and win their maiden Emperor’s Cup, also earning themselves a place in the AFC Champions League in the process.

Shocks sprung in 2011

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:22:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the teams who have caused major surprises this past year, including American Samoa, Uruguay, the Japanese women, Al-Sadd and Basel.

Gone but never forgotten

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:43:00 GMT

Once again the football family lost some great figures during the past 12 months. FIFA.com pays tribute to those who passed away in 2011, including Florian Albert, Socrates and Gary Speed.

Which team stole the show at a FIFA tournament in 2011?

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:09:00 GMT

There were many fantastic displays of football at the various FIFA tournaments held in 2011. Which was your favourite?

The Year in Quotes

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:13:00 GMT

Join FIFA.com for our review of the most eye-catching quotes of the last 12 months, featuring the likes of Pele, Mario Balotelli, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

The Year in Numbers

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:19:00 GMT

As 2011 draws to a close, FIFA.com looks back at some of the eye-catching stats behind the year's biggest events and achievements in the world of football.

Grampus crash out of cup

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:21:00 GMT

Cerezo Osaka edged out Shimizu S-Pulse 6-5 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Emperor's Cup on Saturday, but Nagoya Grampus bowed out of the season-closing tournament with a 4-3 loss on penalties to Yokohama F. Marinos.

A glimpse behind the scenes

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:23:00 GMT

The year is slowly but surely drawing to a close, and the biggest tournaments are a fading memory, so now is the perfect time to review 2011 in pictures.

Japan make first-ever top three appearance

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:31:00 GMT

FIFA Women's World Cup-winners Japan took advantage of Brazil's recent inconsistent form to move into the top three of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, while Northern Ireland were the biggest movers.

Havenaar completes Vitesse switch

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:55:00 GMT

Vitesse Arnhem have confirmed the signing of Japan international striker Mike Havenaar, who will join the club on 3 January.

Spain on top and Wales highest climber

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The last edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for this year brings little change as world champions Spain remain at the top of the table, followed by Netherlands, Germany and Uruguay.

A year in photos: Fans in the stands

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:19:00 GMT

As the year draws to a close and memories of the biggest tournaments begin to fade, it’s the perfect time to review 2011 in pictures, starting with the fans role in the beautiful game.

Miyamoto announces retirement

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:50:00 GMT

Former Japan captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has announced his retirement at the age of 34, planning to take up a course to learn how to become a sports executive in an effort to raise the profile of Japanese football.

Japan's Havenaar set for Vitesse

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:31:00 GMT

Vitesse Arnhem's technical director Ted van Leeuwen has revealed that the club are close to completing a deal to sign Japan international striker Mike Havenaar.

The Club Twitter Contest is LIVE!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:56:00 GMT

Welcome to our December Twitter Contest. Today, we are giving away a signed Manchester United jersey!

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.

Japan coronation for Barça's history boys

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com reflects on a memorable FIFA Club World Cup that witnessed Barcelona reaffirm their status as the world's premier footballing force, and in spectacular style.

Asian duo lift their nations' spirits

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:21:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol's penalty loss to Al-Sadd at Japan 2011 deprived them of the perfect ending, while the Qatari side saw the win as a stepping stone towards greater footballing achievements. FIFA.com gauged the reaction.

Al-Sadd take third on penalties

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:35:00 GMT

Nadir Belhadj slotted home the winning penalty as Al-Sadd won 5-3 in the shoot-out that followed a goalless draw with Kashiwa Reysol in the match for third place at Japan 2011.

New host for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:26:00 GMT

Due to a number of logistical and technical issues, the FIFA Executive Committee have decided that next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will no longer be staged in Uzbekistan.

Reform road map speeds up

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:54:00 GMT

The FIFA Executive Committee took advantage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2011 currently being played in Japan to stage its last meeting of the year in Tokyo.

Irmatov to referee Japan 2011 final

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:19:00 GMT

The Uzbek official, who boasts extensive FIFA experience, will be the man in the middle for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup final between Barcelona and Santos.

Nagatomo: Inter never say never

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:36:00 GMT

Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo is enjoying his recent run of goalscoring form and has said neither he or his team-mates have stopped believing in the Serie A club's title chances.

Al-Sadd reflect on harsh lesson

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:09:00 GMT

Al-Sadd coach Jorge Fossati and his charges Kader Keita and Mamadou Niang have discussed the Qataris’ inability to contend with Barcelona and their experience so far in Japan.

Young stars shine in Japan

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:38:00 GMT

A host of talented young players have announced their arrival in front of the watching world over the past week in Japan.

Okada aims for Champions League glory

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:54:00 GMT

Two-time FIFA World Cup™ coach Takeshi Okada says he wants to lead Hangzhou Greentown to the Asian crown with the former Japan boss appointed to the Chinese Super League club yesterday.

Asian rivals battle for bronze

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:02:00 GMT

The match for third place at the FIFA Club World Cup 2011 is an all-Asian clash, with a podium finish and a great deal of prestige on offer to the winners.

Danilo: It's all fallen into place

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:33:00 GMT

A key man in Santos’ Copa Libertadores success and a goalscorer in their semi-final win at Japan 2011, the versatile right-back is aiming to provide a fairy tale finish in his final match before leaving to join Porto.

Kashiwa eager to finish with a flourish

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:26:00 GMT

After their semi-final defeat to Santos on Wednesday, Kashiwa Reysol are determined to finish Japan 2011 in third place to crown an unforgettable year for the club.

Okada links with Hangzhou

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:56:00 GMT

Former Japan coach Takeshi Okada is the latest high-profile foreigner to move to China PR's Super League where he will link with Hangzhou Greentown.