FIFA.com - News

Wolfsburg stun Lyon to secure historic treble

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:33:00 GMT

Lyon were denied their third consecutive UEFA Women's Champions League title after Wolfsburg shocked the French favourites with a 1-0 win, which also secured a historic treble for the German side.

Star-stacked Brasileirao ready to roll

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:05:24 GMT

With 11 member of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s FIFA Confederations Cup squad, plus the likes of Alexandre Pato, Diego Forlan, Ronaldinho and Clarence Seedorf on show, the Brasileirao 2013 promises much.

Holders Lyon still hungry for more

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:53:00 GMT

Ahead of Thursday's UEFA Women's Champions League final, FIFA.com caught up with Lyon coach Patrice Lair and midfielder Louis Necib to discuss Lyon's impressive winning streak and the team's mentality behind their success.

Blatter: Reforms can never stop

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:07:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter talks about his expectations for the 63rd FIFA Congress, as well as the UEFA Champions League Final and the forthcoming FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

A Dutch perspective on '74

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:50:00 GMT

In the FIFA.com and FIFA TV Video of the Week, Johan Neeskens recalls the Netherlands' duel with hosts West Germany in the FIFA World Cup Final.

Dortmund or Bayern?

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:01:08 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know who you’re tipping to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy at Wembley.

Ferdinand pens extension, expresses delight

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:54:00 GMT

Rio Ferdinand has signed a one-year contract extension that will take him into his 12th season as a Manchester United player and told of his satisfaction at the agreement.

Isco and Thiago called up by Spain U-21s

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:58:00 GMT

Senior internationals Isco and Thiago are the notable inclusions in Julen Lopetegui's squad for this summer`s European U-21 Championship in Israel.

Petersen pens Werder deal

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:49:00 GMT

Nils Petersen has completed a permanent transfer to Werder Bremen on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Menez ruled out of France friendlies

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:02:00 GMT

Jeremy Menez will miss France's two friendlies in June due a back injury, the French Football Federation has confirmed.

Frei: Dortmund will win the Champions League

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:25:21 GMT

After hanging up his boots in April, Switzerland's all-time leading scorer Alex Frei spoke to FIFA.com about his time as a pro and his former club Dortmund's chances in the Champions League final.

New faces sign up to 11 for Health

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:21:00 GMT

Five more international football stars have been recruited to the FIFA 11 for Health programme, as the campaign to educate youngsters about major health concerns takes its messages worldwide.

Winterbottom, the father of modern English football

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:16:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has joined the tributes to Sir Walter Winterbottom, who was honoured by England's Football Association last month with a bronze bust at St George's Park.

Da Silva: I refuse to throw in the towel

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:37:00 GMT

Paraguay has participated in the last four FIFA World Cups, but their place in Brazil 2014 is far from secure and La Albirroja captain Paulo Da Silvia tells FIFA.com he is refusing to miss out on qualification without a fight.

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.

Neill, Ognenovski back for Socceroos

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:35:00 GMT

Captain Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski are among the key returnees to Australia's squad for upcoming crucial Brazil 2014 qualifiers.

Santa Fe edge towards last four, Flu stumble

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:43:00 GMT

Colombia's Santa Fe have one foot in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals after a 3-1 win at Real Garcilaso, while Brazilian champions Fluminense were held to a goalless home draw by Olimpia.

Steady progress boosts Malayan Tigers

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:27:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at Malaysia who are aiming to take regional success to the continental stage under ambitious coach Rajagopal Krishnasamy.

LOC takes part in Arena Pernambuco test event

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:23:00 GMT

The Brazil 2014 Organising Committee participated in tests of seven areas during Wednesday’s game between Nautico and Sporting CP.

Adriano extends Barcelona stay

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:41:00 GMT

Barcelona have announced that versatile Brazilian defender Adriano has signed a new four-year contract to remain at the Nou Camp.

Treble-chasing Wolfsburg eye Lyon upset

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:06:00 GMT

Though undefeated throughout the entire season French champions Lyon face a tough challenge from treble-chasing Wolfsburg if they are to claim a record third successive UEFA Women's Champions League crown.

Keane free to face England

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:40:00 GMT

Los Angeles Galaxy has agreed to let striker Robbie Keane join the Republic of Ireland's squad for their upcoming friendlies against England and Georgia after the MLS club originally said he couldn't leave.

Mandzukic versus Lewandowski in numbers

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:12:00 GMT

Saturday's UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund sees strikers Mario Mandzukic and Robert Lewandowski go head-to-head. FIFA.com puts the pair's personal stats under the microscope.

Valcke: The six stadiums are ready

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:54:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke with FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, who was invited to Brazil to visit the cities of Natal, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro and emerged highly satisfied with the progress being made in the FIFA World Cup™ host nation.

Dante: Dortmund are dangerous

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:39:59 GMT

As he readies himself for the biggest challenge of his career – Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund – Bayern Munich defender Dante spoke to FIFA.com.

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.

Bonera extends Milan stay

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:52:00 GMT

AC Milan defender Daniele Bonera has penned a new contract which will keep him at San Siro until June 2015.

Pellegrini: I'm leaving Malaga

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:50:00 GMT

Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed he will leave Malaga at the end of the season, with the Chilean coach heavily tipped to fill the vacancy left by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City this summer.

Van Gaal names four new faces in srong squad

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:28:00 GMT

Lerin Duarte, Miquel Nelom, Dwight Tiendalli and Jens Toornstra have earned first call-ups to the Netherlands squad for the friendlies against Indonesia and China PR.

Xavi: Trusting your medical services is vital

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:28:00 GMT

Xavi was among those present as Barcelona’s Medical Services was granted FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence status. Afterwards, he told FIFA.com the significance of having a medical centre of such calibre available to those at the club.

Badstuber set for ten months out

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:22:00 GMT

Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber faces a ten month spell on the sidelines following an operation to remove the cruciate ligament in his right knee, his club have confirmed.

Football development to set the tone for 63rd FIFA Congress

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:04:00 GMT

Football development, through initiatives such as Goal and 11 For Health, will set the tone for the next FIFA Congress in Mauritius.

Carroll out of England squad

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:10:00 GMT

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has withdrawn from the England squad for the friendly games against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil because of a foot injury, the Football Association have announced.

Top scorers and a title treble

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Edinson Cavani stars along with Rafael Benitez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bayern Munich and CSKA Moscow in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

A-League season to run until May

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:21:00 GMT

Next season's A-League schedule has been announced with the season to conclude in May partly to assist national team preparations should the Socceroos qualify for Brazil 2014.

Pulis departs Stoke after seven years

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:22:00 GMT

Manager Tony Pulis has left Stoke by mutual consent following seven successful years at the club.

Buriram continue dream run, FC Seoul advance

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:00 GMT

Preliminary round qualifiers Buriram United continued their stunning AFC Champions League run by edging Bunyodkor to reach the last eight, K League champions FC Seoul are also through on what was also a good night for Saudi clubs.

Arena Pernambuco the sixth Brazil 2014 stadium to be handed over

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:33:02 GMT

The Arena Pernambuco was unveiled on 20 May with a kickabout between workers involved in its construction, with President Dilma Rousseff looking on.

Africans set to scrap for Tahiti ticket

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:25:00 GMT

Senegal and Nigeria are considered favoured to qualify this week for the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, but there are several teams with designs on claiming one of the two tickets to Tahiti 2013.

FIFA Executive Committee meeting agenda available on FIFA.com

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:08:09 GMT

The agenda for the next FIFA Executive Committee meeting is now available on FIFA.com.

Enza-Yamissi: I'm the big brother of the Wild Beasts

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:27:22 GMT

Captain of Central African Republic, Eloge Enza-Yamissi speaks to FIFA.com about their quest to salvage their Brazil 2014 qualifying campaign

The parallel courses of Falcao and Martinez

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the performances of Colombian forwards Jackson Martinez and Radamel Falcao in their first seasons in Europe and finds some striking statistical similarities.

Galtier signs extension at St Etienne

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:11:00 GMT

St Etienne coach Christophe Galtier has signed a two-year contract extension taking him through to 2016, the Ligue 1 club have confirmed.

Messi: Turkey 2013 will be great

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:53:00 GMT

A dream meeting took place on the eve of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which runs from 21 June to 13 July in Turkey, as Barcelona star Lionel Messi met with Turkey U-20 star Sadık Ciftpınar.

FIFA celebrates 109th birthday

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:48:15 GMT

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) celebrates its 109th anniversary today and FIFA.com takes a look at the history of the organisation and some special events taking place this year.

Double joy for Wolfsburg, Sky Blue fly high

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a big week of women’s club football as Wolfsburg continued their recent dominance in Germany, there are new leaders Stateside and a perfect finale to the maiden Belgium/Netherlands season looms large.

Hummels: I'm staying at Dortmund

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:56:00 GMT

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has rejected speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona or Bayern Munich, describing the reports as "rumours other people invent".

Kay Murray: I've grown quite attached to all of them

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:19:00 GMT

Two-time FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala co-host Kay Murray switched her focus from real to virtual football when she hosted the FIWC13 Grand Final. FIFA.com spoke to her on stage in Madrid.

Mourinho to depart Real

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:58:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after three years in Spain with club president Florentino Perez saying the departure is via mutual consent.

The boots that bent it for Beckham

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:41:00 GMT

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s showcases the boots a legend wore for an unforgettable farewell.

Klopp reveals his Kagawa heartbreak

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:51:00 GMT

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he was in tears when Shinji Kagawa departed for Manchester United and says the Japanese midfielder deserves more game time at Old Trafford.