FIFA.com - News

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.

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.

Singapore in fourth heaven

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:15:00 GMT

The AFF Suzuki Cup saw Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic end a successful decade-long tenure on a high as the Lions claimed a record fourth crown, while Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda again shone and Philippines continued to grow.

Hapoel become maiden Asian kings

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:42:00 GMT

On its 45th anniversary, FIFA.com recalls how Hapoel Tel Aviv upset the odds to become the maiden club champions in Asia.

Thailand into final as Malaysia's reign ends

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:49:00 GMT

Thailand have set up a dream AFF Suzuki Cup final meeting with Singapore - both nations have won the tournament a record three-times - as the War Elephants cruised past Malaysia after the holders had been reduced to ten men.

South-east Asian rivals hunt final berth

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:27:00 GMT

The AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals take place this weekend with Thailand - seeking to end a decade-long title drought - hosting Malaysia, while Philippines will look to create history by winning through to their maiden final at Singapore's expense.

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.

South-east Asia's finest take centre stage

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 07:18:00 GMT

FIFA.com previews the AFF Suzuki Cup which commences this weekend with the biannual south-east Asian tournament typically promising large fervent crowds and high tempo football.

A month of FIFA development: October 2012

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 08:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com brings you our monthly round-up of the most recent development projects and events during October.

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.

Guiza links up with Johor

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 07:56:00 GMT

Malaysia club Johor have announced the signing of former Spain striker Daniel Guiza on a one-year deal.

Former champions handed tough draws

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:36:00 GMT

China PR, Iraq, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have been grouped together in AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifying, while Iran will join Kuwait, Thailand and Lebanon in another tough pool.

Thai events educate and excite

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:31:00 GMT

Three events were staged in Nakhon Ratchasima in the last week of September aimed at advancing futsal coaching techniques, spreading the sport's popularity and allowing children to have fun.

Blatter mourns former FIFA vice-president

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:55:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to the Football Association of Malaysia to express his sadness at the death of former AFC President and FIFA vice-president Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah.

Contrasting fortunes for frontrunners

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 10:07:00 GMT

Vegalta Sendai were overhauled in Japan, Marcello Lippi suffered his first defeat at Guangzhou Evergrande, while Korea Republic leaders Jeonbuk Motors remained imperious. FIFA.com reviews the action.

Trophies, records and nervy finishes

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:18:00 GMT

We review the league action in China, Japan, Korea Republic, Thailand, Malaysia and Iran which saw celebrations, shocks and plenty of stalemates.

Leagues reach halfway stage

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:56:00 GMT

FIFA.com rounds up the action in China, Japan, Korea Republic, Malaysia, Uzbekistan and Iraq following the weekend's encounters which witnessed a considerable number of top of the table clashes.

Mixed fortunes for leaders in the east

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:15:00 GMT

Top flight football resumed following a two-week hiatus in east Asia, with success greeting the leaders in Japan and China PR but problems for the pacesetters in Korea Republic.

Goals, superstars and silverware

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:59:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly look at club action across Asia and Oceania takes in a goal avalanche in Japan, Marcello Lippi’s debut in China PR, a new leader in Korea Republic, plus trophies claimed in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Vanuatu.

Malayan Tigers roar again

Thu, 17 May 2012 02:17:00 GMT

Malaysia, on the back of a maiden regional title win in south-east Asia two years ago, continue to make steady progress with future growth planned around a host of talented youngsters.

Nicoise blazing a trail in Malaysia

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:07:00 GMT

Reinvigorated since his move to Malaysia, French forward Mickael Dawood Nicoise has proved a sensation in southeast Asia, and his compatriots have taken note.

Japan, UAE grab London tickets

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:19:00 GMT

Japan and United Arab Emirates have joined Korea Republic in booking their places at London 2012 with final matchday victories over Bahrain and Uzbekistan respectively.

Jattal: Syria will give everything to get there

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:03:00 GMT

Ahead of a vital meeting with Malaysia FIFA.com caught up with Haitham Jattal who is attempting to guide Syria to London 2012, with his side having already claimed the scalp of continental heavyweights Japan.

Asian hopefuls eye Olympic debut

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:09:00 GMT

Asian qualifying for London 2012 reaches its climax this week with Uzbekistan and United Arab Emirates both within touching distance of an historic feat, while Japan are in the box seat to claim the continent’s other available berth.

Simultaneous kick-offs scheduled in Asia

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:57:00 GMT

FIFA have confirmed that Asian qualifying matches for Groups A and C in the Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 will take place with simultaneous kick-offs during the final Matchday on 14 March.

Contrasting fortunes for continental elite

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:45:00 GMT

Korea Republic became the first Asian team to win through to London 2012 but it was a very different story for two teams with strong Olympic pedigree - Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Japan target big win in Malaysia

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:13:00 GMT

Japan coach Takashi Sekizuja is hoping to reassert themselves in the race to reach the London 2012 Olympics when they face Malaysia, saying they will be out to score plenty of goals in a bid to overtake group leaders Syria.

New faces maintain charge for history

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:24:00 GMT

Asia's campaign for London 2012 reaches its penultimate round on Wednesday with the likes of Oman, Uzbekistan and Syria all seeking to maintain their push for ground-breaking qualification.

Japan youngsters seek to bounce back

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:07:00 GMT

A shock defeat against Syria has left Japan in a heated battle for the group’s lone automatic berth for London 2012 with a fifth successive qualification suddenly hanging in the balance.

Mixed results for frontrunners

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:09:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly round-up visits Australia and United Arab Emirates – where there was vastly differing results for the respective league leaders – as well as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Malaysia and New Zealand.

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.

The special ones

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:49:00 GMT

Keepers have long had a reputation for being 'different' from their outfield team-mates but, even at international level, they have not always received the dedicated training support that their position requires – something FIFA is now looking to change.

Safee Sali, Malaysia's goalscoring hero

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:02:00 GMT

Having already helped his nation to unprecedented success, prolific Malaysia striker Safee Sali is now intent on breaking new ground for both club and country.

East Asians set the tone

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:07:00 GMT

The race for London 2012 has hit the halfway mark in Asia with Japan and Korea Republic currently in pole position, while the third qualification berth is wide open.

Goal-shy Aussies held, Japan on course

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:56:00 GMT

Australia's Olympic qualifying hopes for London 2012 suffered yet another blow as they were held to a third consecutive 0-0 draw, this time by Uzbekistan, while Japan stayed on course with a 2-1 win over Syria.

Late Bahrain treble stuns Malaysia

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:18:00 GMT

A stunning late comeback by Bahrain, mounting a three goal-turnaround in the last ten minutes to win 3-2, against Malaysia has helped to keep their hopes of reaching the London 2012 Olympics alive.

Syria beat Malaysia to keep pace

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:27:00 GMT

Syria recorded a 2-0 victory over Malaysia to keep pace with leaders Japan in Group C of Asian qualifying for the 2012 Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

Blatter: Asia has incredible potential

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:17:00 GMT

The FIFA President has been in Kuala Lumpur to attend the opening of an AFC ExCo meeting as well as the AFC Annual Awards Ceremony and has spoken of Japan’s success at Germany 2011 and forthcoming tournaments on the continent.

Malaysia maintain regional supremacy

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:23:00 GMT

Malaysia’s U-23 side have retained the SEA Games title in dramatic fashion, edging hosts Indonesia 4-3 on penalties after an evenly-matched final. FIFA.com reviews the tournament.

Malaysia take football final on penalties

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:26:00 GMT

Malaysia took gold in the U-23 football tournament at the Southeast Asian Games today by beating Indonesia 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Silverware polished as Roar bellow

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:21:00 GMT

Trophies were handed out in Japan and Malaysia, the latest OFC O-League season commenced and it was another milestone weekend in Australia as FIFA.com wraps up the action from Asia and Oceania.

Aussies cruise past Malaysia

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:16:00 GMT

Australia warmed up for their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Oman on Tuesday with a comfortable 5-0 friendly victory over Malaysia, with Josh Kennedy and Alex Brosque both grabbing a brace.

Mixed starts for Asian favourites

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:27:00 GMT

Asia’s final qualifying round for London 2012 began with the favoured nations enduring mixed results amid six keenly fought matches, which suggests the looming battle for the three automatic berths will be intense.

Japan, Korea Republic ease to victory

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:32:00 GMT

Japan and Korea Republic secured comfortable 2-0 wins over Malaysia and Oman respectively, while Australia were held to a goalless draw by United Arab Emirates in the final round of qualifying for London 2012.

London berths beckon for Asian hopefuls

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:52:00 GMT

The final stage of Asian qualifying for London 2012 commences on Wednesday with 12 teams, headed by previous qualifiers Australia, Japan and Korea Republic, vying for just three automatic berths.

Australia to face Malaysia

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:49:00 GMT

Australia will meet Malaysia next month in Canberra with the match serving as a preparatory outing for the Socceroos ahead of their FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Oman.

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.