FIFA.com - News

UAE hunting a quarter-final berth

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:06:00 GMT

Marcelo Mendes tells FIFA.com that he is hoping his United Arab Emirates side can leave their mark on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013 after missing out on the main event in Ravenna two years ago.

UAE stars hoping to shine

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com catches up with some stars of the United Arab Emirates U-17 national side who are tipped to star at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in their own country.

Brazil dealt challenge in Tahiti 2013 draw

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:38:00 GMT

The Tahiti 2013 draw has thrown up a number of intriguing match-ups, notably for the host nation and also four-time world champions Brazil.

Road to Tahiti 2013 glory revealed

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:28:00 GMT

The pathway to glory at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013 has been unveiled following the Official Draw held at the Maison de la Culture in Papeete, with four-time world champions Brazil dealt a tough challenge.

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.

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.

FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 mascot lands in the Emirates

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:45:00 GMT

The official FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 mascot and tournament ambassador, Shaqran, was unveiled on 13 May by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and FIFA in the UAE.

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.

Seminar for Brazil 2014 referees kicks-off in Dubai

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:50:00 GMT

AFC and OFC refereeing teams shortlisted for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ began a training seminar organised by FIFA in Dubai on Monday which will continue until Thursday.

Amir: We have talent and a lot to offer

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:16:00 GMT

UAE U-17 coach Rashid Amir sat down with FIFA.com to discuss the importance of the tournament, the quality of the players in the competition and the boost the team is expecting from receiving country-wide fan support.

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.

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.

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.

UAE youngsters mindful of rare opportunity

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:11:00 GMT

With the rare chance to appear at a home tournament, UAE's U-17 team are training with a steely focus with the aim of not letting the unique opportunity of playing in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup pass them by.

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.

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.

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.

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.

United Arab Emirates look to stand tall as hosts

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:45:00 GMT

United Arab Emirates have been ambitiously pursuing the development of football, and hosting this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup is another key step in that process.

UAE 2013 emblem unveiled at spectacular ceremony in Abu Dhabi

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:55:00 GMT

The countdown to the biggest international football tournament ever to be held in the United Arab Emirates began today as the official emblem of the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 was unveiled at a glittering ceremony at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi.

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.

Bale brilliance, Parisian milestones & a big upset

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:46:00 GMT

Gareth Bale, David Beckham, Bernard, Santi Cazorla, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldinho feature in FIFA.com’s latest stats review, alongside an admirable run in Australia and a gargantuan shock in the United Arab Emirates.

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.

Asia’s aspirants eye long path to glory

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:18:00 GMT

The AFC Champions League begins this weekend with the preliminary round kick-starting a nine-month campaign in Asia’s premier club competition. FIFA.com previews the key match-ups.

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.

DRC impose sanctions on Bangoura & Nantes

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:50:00 GMT

FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) have imposed sanctions on Ismael Bangoura and Nantes for breaching a contract to the Al Nasr Sports Club without just cause.

Quartets, shock exits and a wonder goal

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:24:00 GMT

A breathtaking, Barcelona-esque goal in the United Arab Emirates and a scoring feat for two Argentinians feature in FIFA.com’s latest stats review, along with unforeseen cup eliminations in England and Africa.

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 trio reach world stage

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Japan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates have scured Asia's three qualifying berths for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 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.

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.

Teams prepare for Gulf Cup semi-finals

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:48:00 GMT

Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait and UAE are currently preparing for tomorrow's Gulf Cup semi-finals, with two evenly-matched contests seemingly in prospect.

Quaresma moves to the UAE

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:40:00 GMT

Former Barcelona and Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma has signed for Dubai-based Al Ahli on a free transfer following his release by Turkish side Besiktas.