FIFA.com - News

Malaysia maintain regional supremacy

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:23:00 GMT

Malaysia’s U-23 side have retained the SEA Games title in dramatic fashion, edging hosts Indonesia 4-3 on penalties after an evenly-matched final. FIFA.com reviews the tournament.

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.

Stern tests for Asian hopefuls

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:33:00 GMT

The chance to mix with Asia's big guns is up for grabs this weekend, with 16 of the continent's minnows battling it out in the second legs of the preliminary qualifying round.

Preliminary journey kicks off in Asia

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:03:00 GMT

The first round of qualifying for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ kicked off in Asia on Wednesday, with Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh convincing in their respective openers. FIFA.com reviews all the action.

Sixteen hopefuls embark on Brazil path

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:29:00 GMT

Asia's lowest-ranked teams are set to begin continental qualifying for the 2014 tournament, with Sri Lanka-Philippines, Bangladesh-Pakistan and Malaysia-Chinese Taipei among the most appetising matches on the menu.

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.

Timor-Leste: Building work continues with Goal III

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:15:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter is this week touring Asia, where his first port of call was Timor-Leste.

Laos, Philippines reach ASEAN Cup

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:33:00 GMT

Laos and Philippines secured the final two berths at the 2010 ASEAN Cup after qualifying for the eight-nation tournament at the expense of Cambodia and Timor Leste.

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.

Kalbuadi: We are family

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:29:00 GMT

Francisco Kalbuadi, President of the Timor-Leste FA, paid a visit to Zurich and spoke to FIFA.com about the development of football on the island.

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.

Debutants take to the stage

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 19:38:55 GMT

The field of 200 teams taking part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Preliminaries includes five nations making their first appearance at this level.

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.

Traditional powers set the tone

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:17:00 GMT

China PR, Bahrain and Korea DPR won their Asian Zone first round, first leg qualifiers comfortably, while Hong Kong and Qatar earned narrow wins.

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.

AFC chief Bin Hammam re-elected to new four-year term

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 05:44:00 GMT

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed Bin Hammam has been re-elected unopposed to a second four-year term, with his position to be formalised in May.

Asian celebration for Sydney

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:31:00 GMT

Inaugural winners Al Ain lost out, but the main Champions League headline-grabbers were Sydney FC, who tasted their first Asian victory away to Shanghai Shenhua.

Aussies bolster Asian field

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 13:16:00 GMT

Matchday 1 of the 2007 AFC Champions League sees Aussie duo Sydney FC and Adelaide United come up against the cream of Asian club football for the first time.

Zidane hails Asian football's progress

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 12:34:00 GMT

Zinedine Zidane has praised Asian football's recent progress, adding that players like Shunsuke Nakamura are inspiring a generation.

Italy oust Brazil to take top spot

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:35:00 GMT

Brazil's remarkable 55-month run at the top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking standings has been ended by the Azzurri.

Asia planning major leagues' revamp

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 01:10:00 GMT

Ten of Asia's top football leagues are set to be revamped as part of the AFC's drive to make them more commercially viable and attractive to fans.

English FA to help Asian football development

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:19:00 GMT

England's Football Association has agreed to support the development of soccer in Asia with the signing of a four-year memorandum of understanding.

FIFA mourns Abdullah Khalid Al Dabal

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:29:00 GMT

The Saudi Arabian Khalid Al Dabal, a former member of FIFA's Executive Committee, passed away on 27 January after suffering a heart attack in Abu Dhabi.

Big guns meet in final four

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:06:00 GMT

The curtain went down on the first phase of the 2007 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship on Wednesday as four teams booked spots in the semi-finals.

Japan and Australia avoid the big guns

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:42:00 GMT

Australia were adjudged to fare well in the Asian Cup draw, as were the holders, but the likes of China and Iran face a battle to progress.

Western trio monopolise medals

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 03:27:00 GMT

The podium at the recent Asian Games in Doha was dominated completely by west Asian sides, and it was hosts Qatar who claimed gold after defeating Iraq in the final by a single goal.

Women take first steps to Beijing

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:05:00 GMT

Full of hope and optimism, Asia and Africa's women's sides are gearing up for the start of qualifying as the field for Beijing 2008 takes its first steps toward being known.

AFC reveal list of nominees

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 11:21:00 GMT

Ten players from all across Asia are hoping that they will be announced as the 2006 AFC Player of the Year in Abu Dhabi on 29 November.

Joy for Bahrain and Uzbekistan

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 12:02:00 GMT

With wins in their final group games, Bahrain and Uzbekistan completed the list of 16 teams who have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2007.

Asian eyes on Canada

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 11:48:00 GMT

Asia's top 16 teams will battle it out for their places in the FIFA U-20 World Cup as the AFC Youth Championship 2006 kicks off from 29 October to 12 November in India.

Surprise names in AFC final

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 11:23:00 GMT

Jeonbuk Motors and Al Karama will contest the final of the AFC Champions League after overcoming the odds in their semi-final matches.

Final hopes in the balance

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 09:51:00 GMT

Only 90 minutes stand between Al Karama, Al Qadisiya, Jeonbuk Motors and Ulsan Horang-i and a first appearance in AFC Champions League final.

World champions closing in on Brazil

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 09:48:00 GMT

Italy are closing the gap on FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking leaders Brazil, having amassed an impressive 66 impressive points since September.

Surprise packages crash to earth

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 20:08:00 GMT

Pulling off a series of shock results in the previous rounds, Al Karama of Syria and Korea Republic outfit Jeonbuk Motors both saw their dreams of a spot in the final dented on Wednesday.