FIFA.com - News

Third meeting of the Football Task Force scheduled

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:14:00 GMT

The FIFA Football Task Force 2014 will convene under the chair of Franz Beckenbauer for its third meeting on 22 February 2012 in Zurich.

Bayern snap up Shaqiri

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:01:00 GMT

Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Xherdan Shaqiri from Basle, with the Swiss starlet - who faces Bayern in the UEFA Champions League in less than two weeks - joining the club from the start of next season.

Basel held, Young Boys see off Servette

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Basel were held to a draw by FC Sion, but it was still enough for the leaders to extend their lead of Lucerne to seven points, while fourth-placed Young Boys beat Servette 3-1.

Koller: An incredible challenge

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:07:00 GMT

Some three months after taking over as Austria coach, Marcel Koller spoke exclusively to FIFA.com about his plans, hopes and targets in his new job.

Women's round-up: January 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com’s first monthly review of women’s football in 2012 looks at more success for Abby Wambach and Homare Sawa, plus the latest international and club happenings across the globe.

Clubs’ economic difficulties and speculation in the transfer market go hand in hand

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:32:00 GMT

The fourth edition of the CIES Football Observatory’s Demographic Study is now available. It is an annual publication destined for anyone who wishes to acquire a scientific understanding of the European football players’ labour market.

Miguel Cardenal appointed as Secretary of State for Sports

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:06:00 GMT

Miguel Cardenal has been appointed President of the Superior Council of Sports and Secretary of State for Sport by the Spanish Council of Ministers.

Wolfsburg add Rodriguez to ranks

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:42:00 GMT

Wolfsburg have completed their tenth signing of the January transfer window, with Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez joining from FC Zurich on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Beyond our imagination

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:59:00 GMT

We sat down with the lucky winner of our 'Win a trip to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 Gala' contest during their Zurich visit.

And the winners are…

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:18:00 GMT

We received over 46,000 entries for our FIFA/FIFPro World XI Predictor game. Congratulations to our winners!

Bayern & Germany’s European inspiration

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com recalls the admirable career of Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who twice finished as a FIFA World Cup runner-up but inspired West Germany to UEFA European Championship glory and Bayern Munich to two European Cups.

Cruz enjoys a night with the stars

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:05:00 GMT

We sat down with FIWC champion Francisco Cruz to discuss his incredible night at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 Gala.

Basel chief issues Xhaka hands-off warning

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:23:00 GMT

Basel midfielder Granit Xhaka is categorically not for sale, according to director of sport Georg Heitz, who has said he has turned down an offer from former coach Thorsten Fink, who is now at Bundesliga side Hamburg.

Showtime in Zurich

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:09:00 GMT

FIFA.com has selected the best images from the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2011 Gala, so you can relive some of the magic moments from the prestigious event.

FIFA Emergency Committee decision regarding Swiss Football Association

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:01:00 GMT

The FIFA Emergency Committee yesterday decided that the Swiss Football Association not be suspended in relation to the FIFA Executive Committee’s decision of 16 December.

Schweinsteiger: I’m different to Barça pair

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:07:00 GMT

Bastian Schweinsteiger has responded to comparisons between himself and Xavi and Andres Iniesta, praised Jupp Heynckes, labelled the UEFA Champions League as his top priority and discussed the Bundesliga title race.

FIFA statement on FC Sion case

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:45:00 GMT

FIFA has taken note of today’s decision from the Swiss Football Association and will now now analyse the documents and submit them to the Emergency Committee.

Hoffenheim sign Basel starlet Wieser

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:33:00 GMT

Teenage Liechtenstein midfielder Sandro Wieser has left Basel to join Hoffenheim for an undisclosed fee.

Venezuela: Director of the National Sports Institute's Conference

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:02:00 GMT

The students of the first and second editions of the UNIMET/FIFA/CIES Programme recently had the opportunity to attend a conference on the new sports bill in Venezuela, organised by the Universidad Metropolitana de Caracas.

Draw has Barça cautious, Bayern pleased

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:09:00 GMT

Barcelona will not be taking Bayer Leverkusen lightly in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have said they are pleased with their draws in CSKA Moscow and Basel respectively.

Who will win the UEFA Champions League?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:31:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know which team you think will be crowned European champions at the Allianz Arena in May 2012.

Milan-Arsenal, Napoli-Chelsea in last 16

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:24:00 GMT

AC Milan and Arsenal will do battle for a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, while the draw for the Round of 16 also threw up Napoli-Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen-Barcelona and CSKA Moscow-Real Madrid.

Wisla profit as PSG, Fulham exit

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:51:00 GMT

Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham have both suffered surprisingly early exits from the UEFA Europa League, while the likes of Lazio, Twente, Wisla Krakow and Stoke City are through to the last 32.

Neuchatel deducted four points

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:19:00 GMT

The Swiss Football League have deducted four points from Neuchatel Xamax, dropping the team to seventh in the standings, for violating licensing regulations.

Leaders maintain form

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:45:00 GMT

Turbine Potsdam respond impressively, FC Zurich maintain their unbeaten run and Canberra stay on top Down Under. FIFA.com reports on the latest from the world of women's football.

Vogel named Basel boss

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:21:00 GMT

Basel have appointed Heiko Vogel as permanent head coach after the former assistant lead the Swiss club into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in a temporary position as manager.

Basel held but Lucerne lose

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:07:00 GMT

Back in domestic action, league leaders Basel were held to a 1-1 draw by Neuchatel Xamax but still extended their lead as second-placed Lucerne lost 2-1 at home to Servette.

Sion, Young boys both held

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:06:00 GMT

A pair of 1-1 draws for Sion, with FC Zurich, and Young Boys, at Thun, failed to see them close the gap on leaders Basel, with the second and fourth-placed sides trailing by six and ten points respectively.

Ferguson: Young players will bounce back

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to protect his young players, insisting they will not be "hounded out" of the club despite their exit from the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Mancunian misery as four progress

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:11:00 GMT

The UEFA Champions League group phase reached a dramatic finale as both Manchester sides crashed out while goal-hungry Lyon sensationally advanced along with CSKA Moscow, Basel and Napoli.

Manchester misery for United, City

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:43:00 GMT

Manchester United tumbled out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stage for the first time since 2005 after a stunning loss at Basel with Manchester City also out, while Lyon achieved a seven-goal miracle to progress.

Swiss miss as United crash

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:07:00 GMT

English Premier League giants Manchester United lost to Basel 2-1 today as their 2011 UEFA Champions League campaign unraveled in Switzerland in dramatic style.

A star returns to school, Russia win again

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:49:00 GMT

After the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011, the development of the game has moved at incredible pace and over the last two months Russia claimed yet another crown, while an El Salvador star has hit the books.

Seven spots still up for grabs

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:45:00 GMT

Sixteen clubs will enter the last round of UEFA Champions League group-stage action still dreaming of reaching the knockout phase, with seven places up for grabs on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Injury woes has Welbeck in United frame

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:34:00 GMT

Manchester United could turn to Danny Welbeck for their crucial UEFA Champions League tie against Basel with Javier Hernandez facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines and Dimitar Berbatov under an injury cloud.

Sion held as Grasshoppers, Zurich grab points

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:13:00 GMT

FC Sion failed to make ground on Lucerne after being held to a 1-1 draw by Young Boys, while Grasshoppers and FC Zurich clinched welcome 1-0 wins over FC Thun and Servette respectively.

Basel beat Lucerne, Neuchatel climb

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:07:00 GMT

Basel moved six points clear at the top of the Swiss Super League with a 1-0 triumph over nearest chasers Lucerne, while Neuchatel Xamax secured a 3-1 win over Lausanne.

Stoke saved late, Sporting progress

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:04:00 GMT

Stoke City are into the UEFA Europa League knockout stages after drawing with Dynamo Kyiv, Sporting ensured qualification as group winners, but a surprise defeat has left Paris Saint-Germain in trouble.

Record number of students for the University of Cairo

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:43:00 GMT

The University of Cairo, a CIES partner since 2007, officially opened the 4th edition of the FIFA/CIES Programme on 17 October, and more than 30 students will attend the courses, which run until July 2012.

FIWC12 kicks off!

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The latest edition of the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the world's largest virtual football tournament, is finally underway.

Safe passage for Bayern, Inter, Benfica

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:11:00 GMT

Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Benfica all eased into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening, the Germans and Italians going through as group winners.

Basel outlast Otelul on the road

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:14:00 GMT

Ruthless finishing made the difference for Basel in Romania as they beat Otelul Galati 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League.

The Philately of football

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:03:00 GMT

Stamp collectors and football fans will encounter rare common ground when FIFA puts part of its extensive football stamp collection on display for the first time ever at the start of December.

Last 16 places ready to be claimed

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:57:00 GMT

Manchester City head to Naples, while Manchester United host Benfica as a handful of sides vie for passage to the Round of 16 on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League.

Admira slip while Basel set pace

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:34:00 GMT

As FC Admira Wacker Modling's lead gradually melts away in Austria, FC Basel continue to cruise at the top of the Swiss Super League. FIFA.com catches up on the latest from the two Alpine nations.

Wins for Sion, Lucerne as Zurich hit four

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:53:00 GMT

FC Sion and Lucerne are nipping at Swiss Super League leaders Basel's heels after each side enjoyed wins over Neuchatel Xamax and Grasshoppers respectively, while Zurich eased to a 4-1 win over Lausanne.

Blatter: I will go through any relevant checks

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 09:07:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter took the time for an extensive interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which you can also read here at FIFA.com.

Blatter: Football should play a more important role

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 08:59:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has given an in-depth interview to the Aargauer Zeitung newspaper regarding his mission, issues in Switzerland, his faith and his recent comments. You can read it all here on FIFA.com.

FIFA wins case against Sion players

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:43:00 GMT

The Valais cantonal court in Sion has overturned the decision of the Civil Court of Martigny and St. Maurice of 3 August 2011, which ordered that six FC Sion players be allowed to play with immediate effect.

European draw pits Germans with Spain

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:50:00 GMT

Germany and Spain, who between them have won all four editions of the UEFA European Women’s U-17 Championship, will meet in the second qualifying round, while in-form pair Switzerland and England are together in Group 1.