FIFA.com - News

Pfannenstiel's remarkable journey

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:30:00 GMT

German goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel hung up his gloves in 2010 following a nomadic career which saw him play on all six football continents. Not content with merely travelling the world, however, his latest mission is to save it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leaders stumble as chasers close in

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:56:00 GMT

Leaders around Asia suffered surprise results this weekend as the chase for domestic silverware hots up, with the J-League's Kashiwa Reysol being stunned 5-0 and K-League front-runners Jeonbuk Motors drawing 2-2.

Favourites progress as stars shine

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:27:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil has been completed, seeing a barrel-load of goals scored around Asia, with the likes of big-guns Vietnam being joined by first-time qualifiers Philippines.

Maldives in safe Argentine hands

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:01:00 GMT

If history is any gauge then Maldives are in for a torrid time when their Brazil 2014 campaign kicks off against Iran, but the tiny Indian Ocean archipelago has made astonishing improvement as coach Andres Cruciani tells FIFA.com.

Development continues, Brazil reign supreme

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:10:00 GMT

While preparations for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Italy 2011 continue, there has been plenty going on elsewhere in the beach soccer community over the last two months.

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.

Kezman strikes, Carrijo nets four

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:55:00 GMT

Mateja Kezman gave South China a much needed first win in the AFC Cup, giving their prospects of qualifying from Group H a boost, while Leandro Carrijo scored four in a 5-3 goalfest between TSW Pegasus and VB.

Brazil 2014 draw stirs Asian hopefuls

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the Asian qualifying draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ which has thrown up a host of intriguing match-ups as some of the continents smaller footballing nations seek a share of the spotlight.

Asia's Brazil 2014 draw made

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:26:00 GMT

The AFC has conducted the draw for Asia’s first and second round qualifiers for Brazil 2014.

Asian Zone to play preliminary round for Brazil 2014

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:38:00 GMT

The members of the Asian Football Confederation are gearing up to begin the race for FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil, with the draw for qualification set to take place on 30 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Al Qadsia gain revenge over Al Ittihad

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:36:00 GMT

Kuwait's Al Qadsia gained a measure of revenge for defeat in last year's AFC Cup final as second-half goals from Firas Al Khatib and Hamid Inizi helped them to victory against defending champions Al Ittihad of Syria.

AFC Cup action resumes

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:34:00 GMT

The AFC Cup will resume today highlighted by Hong Kong's TSW Pegasus meeting with Indonesia's Sriwijaya, while Kuwait's Al Qadsia travel to Syria's Al Ittihad in a repeat of last year's final.

Hong Kong finally qualify, champions Qatar follow

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:06:00 GMT

Hong Kong ended a 52-year wait to reach the knockout rounds of the Asian Games after a 4-1 win over Bangladesh, while Qatar topped Group D after a 2-0 win over neighbours Kuwait.

Undefeated VB Sports claim crown

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:33:00 GMT

VB Sports claimed their second successive Dhiraagu Dhivehi League crown in the Maldives with a 4-1 win over Maziya securing an eight-point gap over Victory SC with only two rounds remaining.

Champs Kuwait SC impress

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:57:00 GMT

Reigning champions Kuwait SC sounded a warning to other AFC Cup hopefuls by sealing first in Group B with a 7-1 win against India's Churchill Brothers.

Al Riffa claim cup shock

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Qatar's Al Rayyan suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Bahrain's Al Riffa, while last season's semi-finallists South China finally registered a win in the AFC Cup.

Bengal Tigers roar again

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:01:00 GMT

After a dearth of regional success Bangladesh has found form at the right time to claim bragging rights by winning the recent South Asian Games.

India reign in South Asia

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:18:00 GMT

India reclaimed the South Asian Football Federation Championship with a hard-fought final victory over last year's winners, the Maldives.

Beach soccer lays roots in Dubai

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:31:00 GMT

November 2009 will go down as a historic date for beach soccer in Dubai, with minds now focused on developing the discipline in the UAE.

Fifteen shortlisted for Asian gong

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:50:00 GMT

Kengo Nakamura, Yasuhito Endo, Maya Yoshida, Mohammed Noor and Nasser Al Shamrani are among those in the running for Asia's top individual honour.

World Leagues review

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:43:00 GMT

The leaders heading into weekend slipped up in Argentina, Brazil and South Africa, while there was drama in the USA and a record in Korea Republic.

USA still ahead of Brazil, Germany

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:01:00 GMT

There are no newcomers to the top ten in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking with USA still topping Brazil and Germany.

Maldives run with the wind

Thu, 28 May 2009 04:49:00 GMT

Football has been taking an increasing hold in the Maldives, as their recent rise up the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking this month has suggested.

Jordan shine on road to Germany

Mon, 04 May 2009 09:46:00 GMT

The long path to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup has commenced in Asia with Jordan joined by Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in the next stage.

Heavy blows for Asian giants

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Surprise results were on the menu in Asia as Japan and Saudi Arabia were both beaten on a Wednesday full of thrills and spills.

Big wins in Asia

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:58:00 GMT

Gamba Osaka came out on top of a seven-goal thriller on Wednesday while J-League champions Kashima Antlers strolled to another huge victory.

What is the most exciting league?

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:58:00 GMT

Planet football is home to a number of captivating national championships. But which, do you feel, is the most most exciting league in the world?

Asian route marked out

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:42:00 GMT

Asia's FIFA World Cup preliminaries have been decided, with the continent's big five set to start with home fixtures against the groups' underdogs.

Asia's ups and downs

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 11:51:00 GMT

The Asian confederation has produced more than its fair share of joy and drama in FIFA World Cup qualifying down through the years.

Favourites clear first hurdle

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:25:00 GMT

Despite some courageous underdog attempts, the favourites all completed aggregate wins to clear the first hurdle in the race to South Africa 2010.

Aspirants out to preserve dream

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:30:20 GMT

Fifteen decisive first round, second leg matches will take place on Sunday as Asia takes a step towards determining its representatives in South Africa.

Goals galore in Asian qualifiers

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 10:58:00 GMT

Thailand, Singapore and a west Asian trio were among the biggest winners as Asia's FIFA World Cup hopefuls set out on the road to South Africa.

Asian hopefuls target South Africa

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:20:00 GMT

From 8 October, the Asian Zone preliminary round first-leg qualifiers for the South Africa 2010 will kick off in the world's biggest continent.

Quartet make home advantage count

Thu, 24 May 2007 10:01:00 GMT

Home advantage proved decisive as Sepahan, Uwara Reds, Al Karama and Seongnam Chunma booked their passage to the last eight of the competition.

Japan's Urawa into Champions League quarters

Wed, 23 May 2007 13:59:00 GMT

J-League champions Urawa Red Diamonds drew 0-0 with Sydney FC on Wednesday to clinch a place in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

Frontale make history as trio progress

Thu, 10 May 2007 14:10:00 GMT

Kawasaki Frontale were among the three teams who claimed places alongside defending champions Jeonbuk Motors in the last eight of the competition.

AFC chief re-elected

Tue, 08 May 2007 07:08:00 GMT

Mohamed Bin Hammam was elected unopposed to a second four-year term as Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president.

Quartet edge closer to last eight

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:02:00 GMT

After a tense and hard-fought fourth round of matches, four teams have inched to within touching distance of the quarter-finals.

Asian Cup ticket sales start

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:25:00 GMT

Tickets have gone on sale online for the AFC Asian Cup finals, where the presence of Australia has increased interest in the tournament to new heights.

Eastern duo lead the way

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:39:00 GMT

Japan and Korea Republic set the standard for Asia by qualifying for the final stage of Olympic qualifiers with two matches to spare.

Shandong & Al Wahda set the standard

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:54:00 GMT

China's Shandong Luneng and Al Wahda of UAE maintained their winning streaks, while a Japanese duo edged closer to the last eight.

Ecstasy for east Asians

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:03:00 GMT

Japan, Korea DPR and Korea Republic yesterday celebrated victories in the latest round of qualifiers for Beijing 2008.

Giantkillers emerge as favourites fall

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:07:00 GMT

It was a day of surprises in Asia as several of the AFC Champions League favourites suffered stunning setbacks in Wednesday's second round matches.