FIFA.com - News

Buriram’s run continues, Saudi duo shine

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:15:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League quarter-final line-up is now set after another dramatic week of action across Asia with Saudi clubs enjoying success, while Thai outsiders Buriram United have continued their astonishing ride.

Guangzhou, Kashiwa ease into quarters

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:19:00 GMT

Guangzhou Evergrande and Kashiwa Reysol, who both won their first legs, were again victorious over Central Coast Mariners and Jeonbuk Motors respectively, while Lekhwiya and Esteghlal also advanced.

Buriram continue dream run, FC Seoul advance

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United continued their stunning AFC Champions League run by edging Bunyodkor to reach the last eight, K League champions FC Seoul are also through on what was also a good night for Saudi clubs.

Hosts target Asia's last eight

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Home sides are well placed going into the AFC Champions League Round of 16 return legs with only Bunyodkor suffering defeat on the road last week. All the action previewed.

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.

Buriram continue dream run, Al Ahli claim advantage

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:46:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United continued their stunning form in the AFC Champions League with a 2-1 first-leg win over Bunyodkor, while 2012 finalists Al Ahli also have one foot in the last eight after a draw at El Jaish.

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.

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.

Outsiders Al Fath celebrate Saudi success

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:46:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a season in Saudi Arabia in which Al Fath shocked everyone by seeing off their big-name rivals to win their first championship in record-breaking style.

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.

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.

New stars rise on Asian scene

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at a handful of young stars who are making an ever-increasing impact in Asian football at both club and international level.

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.

Kashiwa win eight-goal thriller, Conca inspires Guangzhou

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Kashiwa Reysol won 6-2 away to Suwon Bluewings in a truly bizarre contest, while Guangzhou Evergrande put four unanswered goals past Muang Thong United and Jeonbuk Motors tasted victory at Urawa Red Diamonds.

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.

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.

Struggling China PR seek qualifying rebound

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:43:00 GMT

A number of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers will take place over the weekend highlighted by out-of-form China PR hosting Iraq, while Saudi Arabia visit Indonesia.

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.

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 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.

A new chapter for UAE

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:01:00 GMT

The Gulf Cup came to a spectacular close as UAE triumphed over Iraq in a 2-1 extra-time victory. FIFA.com reviews the tournament which saw Mehdi Ali's side finish as the region's premier outfit.

Rijkaard: There’s no magic bullet to stop Barça

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 04:40:00 GMT

Frank Rijkaard speaks to FIFA.com about life at the Saudi Arabia reins, the Netherlands’ UEFA EURO 2012 disappointment, the best formula to nullify Barcelona, and Lionel Messi as a player and person.

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.

Celeste edge Bafana in Riyadh classic

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:33:00 GMT

On its 15th anniversary, FIFA.com recalls how Uruguay, inspired by Alvaro Recoba and Dario Silva, edged South Africa in a seven-goal thriller nobody expected at Saudi Arabia 1997.

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.

Wilhelmsson: Galaxy have tactical intelligence

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:27:00 GMT

Veteran Swede Christian Wilhelmsson chats to FIFA.com about adapting to life in Major League Soccer, the physicality of the game in the USA, and Los Angeles Galaxy’s hopes of lifting the MLS Cup.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 07:32:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Ibra turns on the style, France impress again

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:10:00 GMT

FIFA.com wraps up a big night of international action across the globe highlighted by an impressive win for France in Italy, a Zlatan Ibrahimovic masterclass and Saudi Arabia denying Argentina.

Drama, draws and dazzling displays

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:06:00 GMT

A busy night of international football saw France claim a late win against Italy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Luis Suarez shine, while Saudi Arabia claimed a famous draw with Argentina.

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.

Ulsan crowned new Asian kings

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 13:27:00 GMT

Korea Republic outfit Ulsan Hyundai booked their place at the FIFA Club World Cup 2012 by claiming their maiden AFC Champions League title with a handsome 3-0 victory over Al Ahli.

Finalists eye maiden Asian success

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the AFC Champions League final between Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli where a debutant winner is assured and goalmouth action aplenty anticipated.

Farias: Physical edge can carry Ulsan to title

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:38:00 GMT

Former AFC Champions League winning coach Sergio Farias, now at the helm of Guangzhou R&F, tells FIFA.com his thoughts on Saturday’s Asian finale and expectations for the fast-developing Chinese Super League.

Ulsan, Al Ahly set up final showdown

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:03:00 GMT

The 2012 AFC Champions League final will be contested by Ulsan Hyundai and Al Ahly, who both won their respective semi-finals on Wednesday.