FIFA.com - News

Syrian football thriving despite troubles

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:14:00 GMT

In a special report, FIFA.com takes a look at how football in Syria is flourishing, despite the troubles affecting the country as a WAFF championship win has spurred players and coaches to new challenges.

New stars rise on Asian scene

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:35:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at a handful of young stars who are making an ever-increasing impact in Asian football at both club and international level.

PSV draw, Ajax move clear at the top

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:32:00 GMT

PSV Eindhoven stumbled at Roda JC drawing 2-2, while Vitesse Arnhem beat PEC Zwolle 2-1 to slide into second, level with PSV, and Ajax won 4-1 to move three points clear at the top of the Eredivisie table.

Executive Committee strongly backs further governance reforms and strengthens fight against racism and discrimination

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:17:00 GMT

Chaired by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee held its first meeting of the year at the Home of FIFA in Zurich over the last two days.

Blatter shocked after Syrian player killed

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:56:00 GMT

After the death of a young Syrian footballer in Damascus, President Joseph S. Blatter has written to the Syrian Football Association President relaying his shock and heartfelt condolences to the player's loved ones.

Football provides hope in Syria

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:22:00 GMT

Syria may be a country in turmoil, but their national team is proving an important unifier as FIFA.com speaks with coach Hosam Al Sayed and captain Mosab Balhous the power of football and their recent cup triumph.

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.

Red Eagles helping storm clouds dissipate in Syria

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:40:00 GMT

Syria's national football team are playing their part in lifting the spirits of a troubled nation, capping recent growth with a historic win to be crowned kings of west Asia last month.

Blatter: Football must bring people together

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:59:00 GMT

Addressing the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala audience and the innumerable people watching around the world, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter discussed the fight against racism and what makes a champion.

Syrians savour historic success

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:47:00 GMT

History has often proved that some of the greatest triumphs can emerge from adversity. This was echoed when the Syrian national team won the West Asian Football Federation Championship for the very first time.

Syrians reign supreme in West Asia

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:48:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks back at the highlights of the seventh edition of the WAFF Championship, and turns the spotlight on some of the teams that made their mark, most notably Syria who defied the odds to be crowned regional kings.

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.

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.

Asian youngsters primed for test

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:42:00 GMT

The AFC U-19 Championship begins in United Arab Emirates tomorrow with four places at the FIFA U-20 World Cup up for grabs as well as continental glory.

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.

Uzbekistan youngsters create history

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 09:59:00 GMT

Uzbekistan, having already secured passage to the FIFA U-17 World Cup along with Japan, Iran and Iraq, went on to claim a slice of history by winning their first continental title at any level.

India rejoices at Nehru Cup treble

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 08:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com reports from the Nehru Cup, where Wim Koevermans' India have made history by becoming the first Asian team to win the title in three successive editions.

India eye Nehru Cup hat-trick

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:09:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at India's national team as Wim Koevermans's new-look men get set to defend their Nehru Cup crown.

Arab teams at the Olympics

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 07:59:00 GMT

As Egypt, Morocco and United Arab Emirates prepare for their attempt at London 2012 glory, FIFA.com recalls the history of Arab nations in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

Arab ambitions for Turkey 2013

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:51:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at some of the sides taking part in the Arab U-20 Championship in Jordan and gauges their hopes of reaching next year's U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

A long, strange season for Predictor champion

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:13:00 GMT

24-year old 'hanisyrian' from Syria dominated the latest season of FIFA Match Predictor. We spoke to the new champion.

Blatter saddened by Arafat's death

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:34:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has written to the Syrian Football Association to express his shock and sadness at the death of the organisation’s former president, Marawan Arafat.

Predictors snatch up prizes

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:26:00 GMT

After 39 rounds of goals, saves and surprises we're happy to announce all the prize winners for FIFA Match Predictor.

Oman set up Senegal showdown

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:01:00 GMT

Oman survived a test of both will and endurance to top Asia’s three-nation play-off series, booking a meeting against Senegal for a final tilt at London 2012 qualification.

Oman triumph to reach Olympics play-off

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:54:00 GMT

Oman continued their "miracle" run by triumphing in the three-team Asian play-off, following a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan today, to reach April's match with Senegal to decide who will take the final spot at the 2012 Olympics.

Late Uzbek winner ends Syrian dream

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:26:00 GMT

An Oleg Zoteev winner two minutes from time ensured Uzbekistan are in the box seat to win Asia's play-off round with the 2-1 result ending Syria's hopes.

Syria snatch late draw with Oman

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:14:00 GMT

Syria secured a vital 1-1 draw with Oman in the opening game of their Olympic qualifying play-off series, with Ahmad Aldouni scoring from a header well into stoppage time to snatch the point.

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.

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.

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.

Third straight win for Japan

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:09:00 GMT

Japan have continued their march towards the 2012 Olympics after their 100 per cent record in Group C carried on with a 2-1 victory over Syria, with Yuki Otsu striking four minutes from time.

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.

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.

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.

Syria disqualified from 2014 FIFA World Cup

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:53:00 GMT

FIFA have confirmed that the Syrian football team has been disqualified from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and that Tajikistan is thereby reinstated into the competition.

History on Japan’s side

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:49:00 GMT

Arguably the toughest group in Asian qualifying, Group C features Japan, who will have to be at their best to ensure qualification ahead of Korea DPR, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

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.

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.