FIFA.com - News

Goals galore as leaders stumble

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:36:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s round-up of club action across Asia and Oceania reflects on rare losses for the frontrunners in Australia, Qatar, Jordan and India, while a host of elite goalscorers came to the fore.

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.

Frontrunners struggle for momentum

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:37:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of league action in Asia and Oceania visits Australia, Qatar, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand, with the respective league leaders enduring vastly different fortunes.

Comebacks, upsets and records

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:11:00 GMT

Thrilling comeback victories in Australia and India along with surprise results in Iran, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates highlight FIFA.com’s round-up of domestic events in Asia and Oceania.

Ze Roberto: Brazil never accept second

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:35:00 GMT

Ze Roberto speaks to FIFA.com about his experiences with Brazil, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, new challenge in Qatar and his country’s chances of success at the next FIFA World Cup.

Mixed results for Asian pacesetters

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:07:00 GMT

There were differing fortunes for the frontrunners in Asia as Australia's Central Coast Mariners were held and Qatar's Lekhwiya suffered a fourth defeat, while Brisbane Roar and Al Ain of UAE both claimed wins.

Al Sadd keep pace, Al Arabi bag points

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:49:00 GMT

Al Sadd kept up the pressure on leaders Lekhwiya in the Qatari league with a 1-0 win over Al Khrityat, while Al Arabi secured just their second victory this campaign by defeating Al Ahly 2-0.

Qatar hosts important U-17 event

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:15:00 GMT

Top U-17 teams from around the world including FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Vasco Da Gamaare heading to Qatar to compete in the first ever Al Kass International Cup.

Metsu: 2002 was an amazing experience

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:09:00 GMT

Bruno Metsu speaks to FIFA.com about guiding Senegal into the Korea/Japan 2002 semis, his coaching experiences in United Arab Emirates and Qatar, France’s chances at UEFA EURO 2012, and Barcelona and Lionel Messi.

Leaders pull clear amid upsets

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:48:00 GMT

Some unexpected results helped Central Coast Mariners and Lekhwiya improve their leads in Australia and Qatar respectively, while it was a good weekend for Kuwait’s Al-Jahra and Nejmeh of Lebanon.

Lekhwiya extend lead at summit

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 19:30:00 GMT

A 2-1 win over Al Rayyan allowed Lekhwiya to move six points clear in the Qatari League, while Al Khor beat Umm Salal by the same scoreline, with Al Khrityat rounding off the day's results beating Al Ahly 2-0.

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.

Lazaroni dismissed by Qatar

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:54:00 GMT

Sebastiao Lazaroni has been sacked as coach of Qatar following the nation's group stage elimination at the Arab Games.

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.

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.

Defiant Al-Sadd unbowed by Barcelona defeat

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:34:00 GMT

Al-Sadd coach Jorge Fossati said the Qatar club will benefit from the experience of playing against European champions Barcelona and have now set their sights on beating Kashiwa Reysol and finishing third.

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.

Adriano at the double as Barça cruise

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:22:00 GMT

A leg-break to David Villa dampened Barcelona's celebrations despite the European champions strolling to a 4-0 victory over their Asian counterparts Al-Sadd to set up a final with Santos.

Villa breaks shin against Al Sadd

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:14:00 GMT

David Villa looks set to spend a lengthy period on the sidelines after the Barcelona striker broke his shinbone against Al Sadd during today's FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.

Debutants eye Asian glory

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:17:00 GMT

The 2012 AFC Champions League draw has thrown up numerous fascinating groups but much of the focus will be on the performance of continental debutants who have impressed in securing their respective domestic titles.

Japan rivals ponder Barça quandary

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:42:00 GMT

Stopping the Barcelona juggernaut could be the key challenge at this FIFA Club World Cup. Here, the likes of Neymar, Nadir Belhadj, Muricy Ramahlo and Jorge Fossati tell FIFA.com how they'd go about it.

Al-Sadd eye Barça upset

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:24:00 GMT

Barcelona are set to kick off their campaign at Japan 2011 in a semi-final match with Al-Sadd, who will pose a tricky test for the Catalans as they hunt for a second trophy at these finals.

Belhadj: Barça match is a celebration

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:31:00 GMT

Al-Sadd left-back Nadir Belhadj has said that meeting Barcelona in the semi-finals at Japan 2011 is cause for celebration, telling FIFA.com the Qatari club will prepare as best they can for the Spanish giants.

Msakni the gem amid Esperance gloom

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:38:00 GMT

Though hugely disappointed by their defeat against Al-Sadd, the African champions did make a positive impact thanks to talented youngster Youssef Msakni, who later spoke to FIFA.com.

Clinical Al-Sadd set up Barça semi

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:55:00 GMT

Despite being dominated by Esperance for much of the match, Al-Sadd secured a hard-fought 2-1 win that guarantees a mouth-watering semi-final meeting with Barcelona.

Japan 2011 programme available in digital form

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:17:00 GMT

The Official Programme of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 is now available for the very first time as a digital copy.

Japanese spirit wows visiting teams

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:38:00 GMT

Players and coaches from all sides have been uniting in praise of the FIFA Club World Cup hosts, who have responded in typically fashion to dreadul earthquake and tsunami of 11 March.

African aces out to inspire Al Sadd

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:38:00 GMT

Al Sadd's African forwards, Kader Keita and Mamadou Niang, speak to FIFA.com about becoming champions of Asia, their chemistry and the club's prospects of making an impact at Japan 2011.

Africans or Asians to battle Barça?

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Defensive specialists Esperance take on an Al Sadd team boasting a formidable attack in an intriguing quarter-final, with the winners advancing to encounter Pep Guardiola’s star-studded cast.

Afful: We can go a long way

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:41:00 GMT

The scorer of the goal that won the CAF Champions League for Esperance last month, Harrison Afful tells FIFA.com about his stunning strike and looks ahead to the FIFA Club World Cup.

FIFA Club World Cup in numbers

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:30:00 GMT

With the eighth edition of the FIFA Club World set to kick off, FIFA.com looks over some of the more eye-catching stats from the tournament's past and present.

Fossati: Spirit is our greatest strength

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:58:00 GMT

Uruguayan Jorge Fossati, now with Asian champions Al-Sadd, speaks to FIFA.com about his experiences in international competitions and hopes for the FIFA Club World Cup with the Asian champions.

Titles claimed in east, Roar run ends

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a massive weekend of club football in Asia which saw the champions of Japan and Korea Republic crowned, while the seemingly unbeatable Brisbane Roar were finally toppled in Australia.

Muslim players asking scientists for help

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:11:00 GMT

A conference on Ramadan and Football on 25 and 26 November brought together scientists and physicians as well as players, to exchange their knowledge and experiences of fasting.

Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee begins distribution of international friendly match proceeds to famine victims in Somalia

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:51:00 GMT

The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has started the process of distributing all ticketing proceeds from the international friendly match held in Doha last month to famine victims in Somalia.

Festival of football in the Far East

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:15:00 GMT

The eyes of the footballing world turn to Japan this week for the start of the FIFA Club World Cup. The intercontinental showdown boasts another exceptional starting field this year.

Who will win Japan 2011?

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:53:00 GMT

Al-Sadd Club, Auckland City, FC Barcelona, Esperance Sportive De Tunis, Kashiwa Reysol, Club de Futbol Monterrey and Santos are all vying for the crown. But who will win the FIFA Club World Cup?

Stars illuminate Japan 2011 squads

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 09:30:00 GMT

The likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Humberto Suazo are among the high-profile players named in the final squads for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011.

Aspetar hosts the second meeting of FIFA Medical Centres of Excellence worldwide

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:17:00 GMT

The medical directors of the currently accredited 22 FIFA Medical Centres gathered in Doha to discuss future collaboration in football medicine research and the implementation of prevention programmes and education.

Glory sighted, new landmarks set

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:45:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s weekly review of league action across Asia and Oceania looks at storybook endings looming in Japan and Korea Republic, a slice of history created in Australia and mixed fortunes for Japan 2011 participants.

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.

Lekhwiya still top despite stalemate

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:50:00 GMT

Lekhwiya extended their lead at the top despite being held to a goalless draw by Umm Salal, while Al Gharafa relinquished an early lead to draw 2-2 with Al Ahly.

Al Sadd rearguard sticking together

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 07:27:00 GMT

Al Sadd’s central defensive pairing of captain Abdulla Koni and Korea Republic’s Lee Jung-Soo were a cornerstone in the Qatari club’s Asian title win and now the experienced duo will play a key role for the team at Japan 2011.

Statement from Jerome Valcke on labour rights in Qatar

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:37:00 GMT

FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke has made a statement following a first meeting today with the International Trade Union Confederations (ITUC) about labour rights in Qatar in connection with the 2022 FIFA World Cup™.

Teams react to Japan 2011 draw

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:15:00 GMT

Representatives from Al-Sadd, Auckland City, Barcelona, Esperance, Monterrey and Santos have been giving their reactions following the draw for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011.

Four spots left in Asia

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:18:00 GMT

The window of opportunity to reach the next stage of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualification continues to get smaller in Asia, with only four berths remaining after Australia, Iran and Iraq all sealed their passage.

Scores to settle on fifth matchday

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks ahead to Matchday 5 of Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, when the likes of Australia, Iraq, Korea Republic and Qatar will be aiming to book their place in the next round.