FIFA.com - News

Hoffenheim sack Stanislawski

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:12:00 GMT

Hoffenheim have sacked coach Holger Stanislawski following a poor run of form that culminated in their elimination from the DFB-Pokal at the hands of Greuther Furth last night.

Guardiola: It will be a fascinating final

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:07:00 GMT

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has predicted a "beautiful" Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao after the Catalan club advanced last night at the expense of Valencia.

Kalou: Our goals can come from anywhere

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:51:00 GMT

Salomon Kalou, Didier Ya Konan and Côte d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui have been speaking about Les Elephants' semi-final win over Mali, and the final meeting with Zambia.

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.

Bahrain on the rise under Taylor

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:44:00 GMT

The influence of English coach Peter Taylor is paying off for Bahrain, who have climbed six places to 95th on the latest global ladder largely thanks to their Arab Games conquest.

Schafer: We have a great opportunity

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:10:00 GMT

Thailand are surprise contenders to reach the fourth and final stage of Asian qualifying for Brazil 2014 and their German coach Winfried Schafer tells FIFA.com that the War Elephants must rise to the occasion.

Redknapp backed for England job

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:54:00 GMT

A number of leading figures in English football have commented on Fabio Capello's shock departure from the national team, with many calling for Tottenham's Harry Redknapp to assume the role.

Barry following in very big footsteps

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:35:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire have not conceded a goal at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and that's a good omen for their goalkeeper Boubacar Barry and the Elephants.

Uruguay's Nacional take opening honours

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:38:00 GMT

Uruguay's Nacional began their Copa Libertadores campaign impressively with a 2-1 victory at Brazil's Vasco da Gama in a meeting of two former champions, while there was also wins for Union Espanola and Cruz Azul.

Short supply of goals in Africa's deciders

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:42:00 GMT

Neutrals will be hoping Sunday's CAF Africa Cup of Nations final decider between Zambia and Côte d'Ivoire has more goals than recent finals have provided.

Guarani go fourth

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:08:00 GMT

Tres Ronaldo scored the only goal to move Guarani to fourth in the Paulista championship, while in the Carioca, Botafogo were 5-0 winners over Olaria with Elkeson and Sebastian Abreu both scoring twice.

Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia set up final clash

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:16:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia are poised to meet in what is expected to be an emotional CAF Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday after defeating Mali and Ghana respectively in the semi-finals.

Sessegnon seals Sunderland win

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:54:00 GMT

Stephane Sessegnon scored in extra time to secure Sunderland a 2-1 victory at Championship side Middlesbrough and set up for a fifth-round clash with Arsenal.

Barça through to Copa final

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:32:00 GMT

Cesc Fabregas and Xavi both scored to earn Barcelona a 2-0 win over Valencia and a place in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Celtic hit Hearts for four

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:30:00 GMT

Celtic moved four points clear at the Scottish Premier League summit with a convincing 4-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, scoring twice through Scott Brown, Victor Wanyama, Joe Ledley, and Gary Hooper.

Caceres brace gives Juve first-leg edge

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:15:00 GMT

Martin Caceres scored a double to edge Juventus closer to a final berth in the Coppa Italia as they claimed a 2-1 victory over AC Milan in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the San Siro.

Bayern, Gladbach through as Fuerth surprise

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:02:00 GMT

Second-division Greuther Fuerth pulled off a quarter-finals upset with a 1-0 defeat of Hoffenheim, while Bayern Munich claimed a 2-0 win over Stuttgart, Borussia Monchengladbach saw off Hertha Berlin in extra time.

Gervinho strike sees Côte d’Ivoire through

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:16:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire have booked their place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final after a 1-0 victory over Mali in the semi-finals, setting up a clash for the title against Zambia on Sunday.

Catania, Roma finish off with a draw

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:12:00 GMT

Catania and Roma played out the final 25 minutes of their abandoned Serie A match, originally played on 15 January, however, did not add to the scoreline and shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Capello resigns as England coach

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:37:00 GMT

Fabio Capello has resigned from his position as England manager following a meeting with the Football Association chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne at Wembley Stadium.

Al Ain move further clear

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:03:00 GMT

Al Ain secured a 1-0 victory over Al Wahda to move six points clear at the UAE League summit, while Al Shabab were held to a 1-1 draw by Dubai SC, and Al Emirates claimed a 2-1 win over Al Ahly Dubai.

Gameiro still 'learning' at PSG

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:48:00 GMT

Kevin Gameiro has said he is still adapting to life at Paris Saint-Germain, and while he believes his performances at Parc des Princes have been average, does not regret his move from Lorient.

Zambia stun Ghana for final berth

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:27:00 GMT

Zambia secured a shock 1-0 win over four-time champions Ghana late on through substitute Emmanuel Mayuka, clinching their place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012 final.

Luiz 'happy' to work hard

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:08:00 GMT

Chelsea defender David Luiz has said that he is committed to training at his best level to help the Blues achieve consistency under coach Andre Villas-Boas.

Share your story, win a Kia!

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:46:00 GMT

Tell us why a car would make a difference to your life in a football related way and you could win a Kia Sportage!

Wenger hopeful of top four, Vela eyes exit

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:26:00 GMT

Arsene Wenger has spoken of his belief that Arsenal can finish the season stronger than their fellow UEFA Champions League contenders, while Johan Djourou has revealed agreement on a contract extension, and Carlos Vela discussed his desire to leave.

Park: I'm proud to reach 200

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:17:00 GMT

Korea Republic star Park Ji-Sung has spoken about his feelings at making his 200th appearance for Manchester United after coming on as a substitute in the 3-3 draw at Chelsea.

Bayamon, Puerto Rico’s new power

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:19:00 GMT

FIFA.com profiles Futbol Club Bayamon, the up-and-coming club heavyweights in Puerto Rico who are giving the more traditional powers a run for their money.

What’s the best match you’ve seen?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:56:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to hear which game is the best you’ve ever watched.

France friendly tees up Estonia's European record

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:48:00 GMT

Estonia are set to make history as the first ever team to have played all other fellow UEFA member nations after arranging a friendly with France, the only one of the 52 they had yet to face.

Lara: I’m fulfilling a vow to my daughter

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:47:00 GMT

Eduardo Lara speaks to FIFA.com about his disbelief over Cali giants America’s relegation, the vow he made to his daughter to take their reins and get them back in the Colombian top flight, and his early days in the job.

Callejon hopeful of Mourinho stay

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:43:00 GMT

Real Madrid forward Jose Callejon has said that he is confident under-fire coach Jose Mourinho will stay on at the Spanish giants beyond the end of the season.

Tejada to stay for rest of the season

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:35:00 GMT

Inaki Tejada, who took temporary charge of Sporting Gijon last week following the departure of Manuel Preciado, will remain in charge until the end of the season.

International ground-breaker, Barça king

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:16:00 GMT

FIFA.com recalls the brilliant and bizarre career of Ladislao Kubala, the only man to ever represent three countries who was named the greatest player in the history of Barcelona.

Senegal sack coach Traore

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:01:00 GMT

The Senegalese Football Federation have confirmed the sacking of coach Amara Traore following the Lions' disappointing showing at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Lazio lose Rocchi to injury

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:40:00 GMT

Lazio have confirmed that captain Tommaso Rocchi will be sidelined for at least three weeks with a thigh injury, picked up in Sunday's defeat at Genoa.

Yano rejoins Niigata from Freiburg

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:53:00 GMT

Japan striker Kisho Yano, a member of the Blue Samura's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, has returned to former club Albirex Niigata from German side Freiburg.

Buddle: Klinsmann was my role model

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:30:00 GMT

Edson Buddle chats to FIFA.com about being named after Pele, his return to Los Angeles Galaxy, being part of a FIFA World Cup squad, the differences between Bob Bradley and Jurgen Klinsmann and USA’s hopes of reaching Brazil.

FIFA confirms Japan as host of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:22:00 GMT

FIFA and the Japan Football Association (JFA) are delighted to announce that the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2012 will be hosted by Japan.

Strikers, strategists and a centurion

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:03:00 GMT

In our latest stats review, FIFA.com looks at a goalscoring birthday celebration for Neymar, rare milestones for Jupp Heynckes and Diego Milito, plus defensive perfection from Côte d’Ivoire.

Wins for Velez, nine-man Fluminense

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:16:00 GMT

The Copa Libertadores group stage commenced with impressive wins for Velez Sarsfield and a nine-man Fluminense, while Guadalajara and Deportivo Quito played out a 1-1 stalemate.

Zahoui: Being favourites is difficult

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:06:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui is hoping his Elephants can carry the weight of expectation against Mali on Wednesday where a place in the continental final - and a meeting against either Ghana or Zambia - is on the line.

Bilbao end tiny Mirandes' big dream

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:52:00 GMT

The fairytale run of Mirandes in the Copa del Rey final has come to an end as Athletic Bilbao cruised into the final 8-3 on aggregate and a meeting with either Barcelona or Valencia.

Michel relishing Sevilla challenge

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:12:00 GMT

Michel is hopeful of returning Sevilla to their previous status among Spain's elite after the former Real Madrid midfielder assumed the reins of the relegation-haunted club.

Millwall, Blackpool into FA Cup fifth round

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:11:00 GMT

Millwall and Blackpool booked their spots in the fifth round of the English FA Cup with wins over Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

Dortmund ease into Cup semis

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:47:00 GMT

Borussia Dortmund cruised into the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal this evening with an emphatic 4-0 win at regional league side Holstein Kiel.

Berbatov wants more minutes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:22:00 GMT

Dimitar Berbatov expects to remain at Manchester United beyond this season, but has reiterated his disenchantment at his lack of playing time at Old Trafford.

Rennes survive late Evian surge in Cup

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:08:00 GMT

Rennes sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the French Cup with a 3-2 victory over Ligue 1 rivals Evian today.

Thigh strain to sideline Samuel

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:01:00 GMT

Argentine centre-back Walter Samuel was diagnosed with a thigh strain today that could keep him out of action for a couple of weeks.

USA 1950 hero Keough dies

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:35:00 GMT

Harry Keough, a member of the US football team that stunned England at the 1950 FIFA World Cup™, died Tuesday at the age of 84, a US Soccer spokesman confirmed.

Stoke's Huth appeal rejected

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Stoke defender Robert Huth is to serve a three-game ban after his appeal against a red card received during Saturday's home clash with Sunderland was rejected by a disciplinary panel.