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.

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.

Al Gharafa sign Kewell

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:01:00 GMT

Former Australian international Harry Kewell has been signed on a short-term deal with Qatari side Al Gharrafa, having been without a club since leaving Melbourne Victory at the end of last season.

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.

Favourites drop points as underdogs shine

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:05:00 GMT

It was a momentous day of qualifying action in Asia which saw wins in Group A for the home sides and shock results in Group B which temporarily denied Japan's progression to Brazil 2014.

Late drama as Korea Republic beat Qatar

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:05:00 GMT

Hamburg winger Son Heungmin prodded home an injury-time winner as Korea Republic edged Qatar 2-1 to give their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualification hopes a major boost.

Early progression in Japan's sights

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:19:00 GMT

Japan travel to Jordan on Tuesday knowing that a win or even a draw could be enough to make them the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ for the second time in succession.

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.

Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup extends its responsibilities to cover 2018 and 2022

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:16:00 GMT

The Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup has decided that its responsibilities will be extended to also cover decisions related to the preparations for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

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.

Champs Lekhwiya slip up

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:41:00 GMT

Second-placed Lekhwiya lost ground on leaders Al Sadd with a surprise 1-0 home defeat against struggling Al Khrityat to now sit five points off the pace.

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.

FIFA statement on SPORT Bild story

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:47:00 GMT

FIFA would like to clarify that there will be no new ballot on the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the next FIFA Congress in May 2013.

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.

Cisse joins Al Gharafa

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:45:00 GMT

Much-travelled former France international striker Djibril Cisse joined Qatari outfit Al Gharafa on loan on Sunday from English Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers.

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.

PSG's Nene heading to Qatar

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:31:00 GMT

Brazilian forward Nene has reached an agreement with Qatar side Al Gharafa to move from Paris Saint-Germain after struggling for appearances this season.

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.

Mohamed Bin Hammam resigns from football, banned for life

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:19:00 GMT

Mr Mohamed Bin Hammam, FIFA Executive Committee member and AFC President, has resigned from all his positions in football with immediate effect and will never be active in organised football again.

Raul’s Doha adventure

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:11:00 GMT

Though now away from the European spotlight, Real Madrid icon Raul continues to shine at Qatar's Al Sadd where the humility and professionalism that has long been his trademark, not to mention scoring ratio, remain on display.

The FIFA President in Doha

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:18:00 GMT

Before arriving in Japan to attend the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup and chair the FIFA Executive Committee's final meeting of the year, the FIFA President visited Doha, Qatar.

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.

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.