FIFA.com - World Football - News

Iraqi Football Association suspended

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:01:00 GMT

The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided to suspend the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) due to governmental interference.

Hour of reckoning in Mexico

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:35:00 GMT

Eight sides are poised to battle it out in Mexico's post-season play-offs. FIFA.com runs the rule over this hopeful octet as they aim for the Apertura.

Ferguson: The league starts now

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Chelsea's five-point Premier League is "not insurmountable" and backed Manchester United to claw their way back.

Smith rules out Scotland return

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Rangers manager Walter Smith has ruled himself out of the running to succeed George Burley as Scotland manager, a post he held before returning to Ibrox.

Saint Jude’s Mengão renaissance

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:54:00 GMT

Flamengo were sliding towards a relegation battle just three months ago, but an improbable revival has thrust the Carioca giants into title contention.

World Leagues preview

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:21:00 GMT

Title races will hot up in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and Korea Republic at the weekend, while a thrilling climax to the campaign ensues in the USA.

Spain regain leadership from Brazil

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:02:00 GMT

The European champions are back on top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, moving ahead of Brazil, who had been in pole position since July.

European Leagues preview

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:39:00 GMT

Under-pressure sides Liverpool and Bayern Munich face huge tests at home, while Arsenal, Barcelona and Inter Milan have away examinations to pass.

Centurion Casillas tells Real to focus

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:32:00 GMT

Real Madrid must concentrate on this week's match against Racing Santander says goalkeeper Iker Casillas and forget the looming derby against Barcelona.

Inter, Juve prepare for looming showdown

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:55:00 GMT

Leaders Inter Milan will look to maintain their five-point gap on Juventus ahead of the derby between the two in a fortnight.

Desperate Liverpool face City crunch

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:24:00 GMT

Liverpool face a tough test against Manchester City as the Reds attempt to resurrect their season in the pick of this weekend's Premier League action.

Ecuadorians ease to final in style

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:53:00 GMT

Ecuador's Liga De Quito will face Fluminense of Brazil in the Copa Sudamericana final after a stunning 7-0 defeat of Uruguay's River Plate.

Galaxy seek title to cap turnaround

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:36:00 GMT

A star-studded LA Galaxy will face Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final on Sunday seeking the title after recovering from a horrendous opening to the season.

Donovan named top in MLS

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:18:00 GMT

USA forward Landon Donovan has been named Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player after helping LA Galaxy to the MLS Cup final.

Next week on FIFA.com

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:06:00 GMT

Can't wait to see what FIFA.com has in store for you next week? Every Thursday, we offer fans an inside look at the interviews, features and stories arriving next week on FIFA.com.

Bellamy concerned over career

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:53:00 GMT

Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy fears he may only have two years left in his career.

Santander turn to Portugal

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:47:00 GMT

Racing Santander have confirmed the appointment of Miguel Angel Portugal as their new coach.

Ferguson to miss Pompey and Spurs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be in the dugout at Old Trafford on Saturday when his side face Everton.

Make or break for Bayern

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:00 GMT

Bayern Munich are preparing for the "game of the season" in the Bundesliga this weekend, according to their general manager Uli Hoeness.

Saad dies after heart attack

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:00 GMT

A United Arab Emirates footballer collapsed and died during a routine training session after suffering a massive heart attack yesterday.

African superstars await fate

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:16:00 GMT

African superstars Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o and Michael Essien will discover who they face at the 2010 CAF African Nations Cup in Angola on Friday.

Low applauds resilient Germany

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:07:00 GMT

Germany coach Joachim Low praised his side for their performance in last night's 2-2 draw with Côte d'Ivoire in what were difficult circumstances.

Peru on the renaissance trail

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:50:00 GMT

They may have finished bottom of South American qualifying for South Africa 2010, but a fine finish to the campaign has lifted Peru up the global ladder.

Galaxy cancel German tour

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:15:00 GMT

Major League Soccer finalists LA Galaxy have cancelled a planned two-match tour of Germany that was scheduled for next week.

Japan, Bahrain share pole position

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:59:00 GMT

Japan and Bahrain have an equal share at the top of their AFC Asian Cup qualifying group after wins over Hong Kong and Yemen respectively.

Kuwait inch top of qualifiers

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:46:00 GMT

Kuwait have edged clear of Australia at the top of AFC Asian Cup qualifying following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against ten-man Indonesia.

Fluminense through to final

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:28:00 GMT

Famous Brazilian club Fluminense have won through to the Copa Sudamericana final after defeating Paraguay's Cerro Porteno on aggregate.

Germany share points on emotional night

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:32:00 GMT

An injury-time equaliser from Lukas Podolski earned Germany a draw with Côte d'Ivoire in a match overshadowed by the recent death of Robert Enke.

US undone by Danish fightback

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:10:00 GMT

Denmark came from behind to earn a 3-1 friendly win over the United States in Copenhagen while there were also friendly victories for Bulgaria, Montenegro and Poland.

Weakened Ghana draw in Angola

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:58:00 GMT

CAF African Nations Cup hosts Angola and contenders Ghana drew 0-0 on Wednesday in a friendly at Cidadela Stadium.

Vidic set for United return

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:51:00 GMT

Nemanja Vidic is in line to return to the Manchester United defence for Saturday's English Premier League showdown with Everton.

Croatia's Simunic reveals depression fight

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:55:00 GMT

Croatia defender Josip Simunic has admitted to having suffered from depression. The Hoffenheim-based player spoke out a week after Hannover goalkeeper Robert Enke committed suicide.

Eduardo signs news Gunners deal

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:03:00 GMT

The 26-year-old Croatia international, who has rediscovered form and fitness after a year out injured, has committed his future to Arsenal.

Syria secure Asian Cup spot

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:41:00 GMT

Despite being held to a goalless draw at home to ten-man Vietnam, Syria are now guaranteed to finish at least second in qualifying Group D.

Azzurri role too soon for Ancelotti

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:13:00 GMT

Having only joined the Stamford Bridge outfit in the summer, Chelsea's Italian boss has moved to quash speculation linking him to the Italy job.

Zigic ends Korea streak

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:54:00 GMT

Serbia picked up a morale-boosting win over their fellow South Africa 2010 qualifiers in London, the goal coming via the imposing Valencia front-man.

Ferguson blasts fragile footballers

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:27:00 GMT

The United boss, who has worked with some of British football's biggest characters during his career, spoke out about modern-day players.

Redknapp fears for managers' future

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:48:00 GMT

The Spurs boss has blasted the lack of patience in English football, stating that "as soon as you (managers) have a bad spell you're out of work".

Uzbeks through as Thailand crash

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:07:00 GMT

Uzbekistan clinched a spot at Qatar 2011 with victory over Malaysia, while there were also AFC Asian Cup qualifying wins for Japan and Singapore.

Zhirkov confident of Chelsea impact

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:39:00 GMT

Unable to fully find his feet since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the Russian star feels his fitness problems are down to a change in surroundings.

Japan ease past Hong Kong

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:06:00 GMT

A sumptuous free-kick from Espanyol star Shunsuke Nakamura was the highlight of a comfortable Asian Cup qualifying win for the Samurai Blue.

Ben Arfa fate in own hands

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:44:00 GMT

The former Lyon attacker has angered his Marseille bosses once more after a reported training-ground spat with coach Didier Deschamps on Tuesday.

Smith opens door to disgraced duo

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:11:00 GMT

The Scottish FA chief executive spoke on Wednesday about the search for a new manager and possible returns for Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor.

Napoli dampen Hamsik rumours

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:51:00 GMT

The up-and-coming Slovakian midfield star will not be moving to Chelsea, according to a statement from Napoli's sporting director Riccardo Bigon.

Arteta to stick with Toffees

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:15:00 GMT

The Basque-born midfielder has underlined his intention to rediscover his form and fitness and win silverware with his Everton "family".

Weir hits back after Burley slur

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:55:00 GMT

The Rangers centre-back has reacted angrily after former Celtic midfielder Craig Burley appeared to question Scotland players' intelligence.

Fulop out to seize his chance

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:12:00 GMT

Set to fill in for the injured Craig Gordon on Saturday versus high-flying Arsenal, the Sunderland keeper is determined to prove his worth.

Watch Algeria-Egypt LIVE NOW!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:33:00 GMT

Today’s match between Algeria and Egypt in Sudan is live on FIFA.com. The action starts at 18.30 CET (20.30 local time). Don't miss a kick!

Gibbs injury adds to Wenger woes

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:44:00 GMT

The youngster is the latest name on a Gunners' injury list already featuring the likes of Robin van Persie, Denilson, Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby.

Olsen and Milicic join Heart

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:30:00 GMT

The former internationals have been brought in by Australian outfit Melbourne Heart to work as assistants to Dutch supremo John van 't Schip.

Fergie expects two-horse race

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:12:00 GMT

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says the title race is likely to feature only Chelsea and the Red Devils by the season's end.

Chile edge Slovakia in Zilina

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:44:00 GMT

Goals from Gonzalo Jara and Esteban Paredes earned Chile a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Slovakia in their friendly in Zilina.

Brazil at the double over Oman

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:39:00 GMT

Brazil won their second friendly in the Gulf with a 2-0 win over Oman at Muscat Stadium on Tuesday.

Blackburn secure Samba

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:42:00 GMT

Blackburn Rovers have agreed a new four-and-a-half year deal with Christopher Samba that will keep the defender at the club until the summer of 2014.

Benitez rejects cautious label

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:17:00 GMT

Rafael Benitez has said that he does not deserve to be described as a defensive manager, and says that his main focus is family, not football.

Baptista agent plays down Spurs link

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:12:00 GMT

Roma's Julio Baptista will not be joining Tottenham Hotspur in a swap deal with the unsettled Roman Pavlyuchenko, according to the Brazilian's agent.

Fiorentina warn Real off Vargas

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:16:00 GMT

Fiorentina have told Real Madrid they will not be selling highly-rated left-wingback Juan Manuel Vargas, who is being compared to Roberto Carlos.

Dzeko expects to join Milan

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:44:00 GMT

The prolific Edin Dzeko has revealed he has told Wolfsburg chiefs he intends to leave the club next summer, and reiterated his wish to join AC Milan.

Overath to remain Cologne president

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:25:00 GMT

Wolfgang Overath will serve as Cologne president for the next four years after earning re-election, and he reacted by praising coach Zvonimir Soldo.

Participants' preparations continue

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:44:00 GMT

As the final FIFA World Cup places are fought over, 16 of the teams already assured of their 2010 berths will be in friendly action this midweek.

Bahrain regroup for Asian challenge

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:40:00 GMT

Bahrain will aim to pick themselves up from their FIFA World Cup disappointment when they face Yemen in a busy programme of Asian Cup matches.

Beckham left off MLS all-star team

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:04:00 GMT

England midfielder David Beckham has been left off the Major League Soccer all-star squad despite helping the team to the MLS final.

Benitez: We will not sell Torres

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:24:00 GMT

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has said that he would resign if star Spanish striker Fernando Torres was sold to another club against his will.

Ronaldo returns to Real training

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:10:00 GMT

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has trained with Real Madrid for the first time since injuring his ankle during a UEFA Champions League tie.

Cabore hat-trick steers Al Arabi home

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:33:00 GMT

Qatari heavyweights Al Arabi edged closer to a berth in the semi-finals of the Qatar Stars Cup following their 3-1 win Group A win against Qatar SC.

Becks: Donovan rift was a blessing

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:40:00 GMT

The conflict between David Beckham and Landon Donovan has turned Los Angeles Galaxy into a better team, according to the England midfielder.

Football mourns De Nigris

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:13:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter led the tributes after the sad and shocking passing of former Mexico international Antonio de Nigris in Greece.

Burley sacked as Scotland boss

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:56:00 GMT

The Scottish Football Association tonight confirmed George Burley's sacking as Scotland manager, just over 48 hours after a 3-0 defeat to Wales.

Udinese insist Inler not for sale

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:52:00 GMT

Udinese general director Sergio Gasparin says the club have no intentions of selling in-demand Switzerland international Gokhan Inler.

Mexican striker De Nigris dies

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:41:00 GMT

Mexican striker Antonio De Nigris who played for Greek first division club Larissa has died of a suspected heart attack.

Mancini to stay at Inter

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:36:00 GMT

Amantino Mancini will not leave Inter Milan in the winter transfer market despite reports strongly linking the Brazilian winger with a return to Roma.

Van Persie facing six-week lay-off

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:14:00 GMT

Fears of a season-ending injury for Robin van Persie have been allayed after Arsenal said the forward will be out for "approximately six weeks".

Demichelis fears Bayern chaos

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:08:00 GMT

Martin Demichelis has said that Bayern Munich's already-depressing season could become even worse if they lose out to Bayer Leverkusen this week.

Bunyodkor’s dream season

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:54:00 GMT

With 28 wins out of a total of 30 games in an undefeated campaign, big-spending Uzbekistan champions Bunyodkor enjoyed a near-perfect season.

Huntelaar: I want to stay at Milan

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:48:00 GMT

Klaas Jan Huntelaar has said that he plans to stay at AC Milan despite failing to make an impact at the San Siro since his summer move.

Cudicini expected to make full recovery

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:20:00 GMT

Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is expected to make a full recovery from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident last week.

Iraq to meet hosts in tournament finale

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:55:00 GMT

Current Asian champions Iraq will meet tournament hosts United Arab Emirates in the final of the four-nation UAE International Cup.

Van Persie faces lengthy absence

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:19:00 GMT

Netherlands and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is set to be out of action for up to six weeks after tearing ankle ligaments against Italy on Saturday.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:46:00 GMT

FIFA.com introduces you to some of the biggest names in football who have birthdays this week, such as Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc.

Mixed fortunes for world hopefuls

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

There were mixed fortunes for FIFA World Cup finalists, among them USA, Switzerland, Korea Republic and Serbia, in today's international friendlies.

Congo snatch late draw in Angola

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:46:00 GMT

Having taken the lead in a promising first-half display, the 2010 African Cup of Nations hosts were caught out late on by Congo's Ladislas Douniama.

Rafe to the rescue

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:52:00 GMT

Syria continued their flawless start to Group D of AFC Asian Cup qualifying with a 1-0 win over Vietnam, the goal coming deep into injury time.

Lazovic clinches Serbia success

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:17:00 GMT

A second-half strike from the Serbian front-runner sank hosts Northern Ireland, who lacked finishing power to go with some enterprising attacking.

Rooney respect for Brazil display

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:46:00 GMT

The Manchester United forward and England stand-in skipper said Brazil's ability to keep possession was key to their 1-0 victory in Qatar on Saturday.

Brazil edge depleted England

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:25:00 GMT

Wayne Rooney's first game as England captain ended in defeat as a severely depleted side were beaten by five-time world champions Brazil.

Geynrikh double moves Uzbeks closer

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:49:00 GMT

Uzbekistan edged nearer to a spot at the AFC Asian Cup finals after beating Malaysia, with substitute Alexander Geynrikh the hero.

Thailand give Robson winning start

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:36:00 GMT

Thailand defeated Singapore 3-1 in an Asian Cup qualifier today to hand former England midfielder Bryan Robson the perfect start in his new role.

Oman undone by ten-man Aussies

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:35:00 GMT

Australia stayed on course for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals by recovering from the loss of a goal, and a man, to clinch a 2-1 win over Oman.

South Africa held by doughty Japan

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:59:00 GMT

With Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira back in the saddle, Bafana Bafana were unable to go beyond a 0-0 draw against the Samurai Blue.

Wales sink sorry Scotland

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:19:00 GMT

An Aaron Ramsey-inspired Wales piled the pressure on Scotland boss George Burley with a clincial first-half display in Saturday's friendly clash.

Cudicini on the mend

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:15:00 GMT

Spurs' Italian shotstopper is doing well after surgery on injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, though is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Cole not for sale at any price

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:53:00 GMT

West Ham will not be forced into selling their star striker during the January transfer window, according to a club spokesman.

Maradona backs Barcelona

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:51:00 GMT

In Madrid for Argentina's friendly with fellow South Africa 2010 qualifiers Spain, the Albiceleste supremo gave his verdict on La Liga's major players.

Beckham helps the Galaxy into final

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:07:00 GMT

David Beckham moved a step nearer to a Major League Soccer title as the Los Angeles Galaxy overcame a stubborn Houston defence to win 2-0.

Pearce predicts McClaren return

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:52:00 GMT

The England U-21 boss has stated that the ex-senior coach, dismissed after failure to reach UEFA EURO 2008, is likely to return to the English game.

Montesin at the double for Qatar

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:37:00 GMT

The Brazilian-born front-runner struck twice after the interval to secure a prestigious friendly victory for the Qataris against Paraguay.

Positive approach the key for Fletcher

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:46:00 GMT

The Manchester United midfielder has stated that now is the ideal time for Scotland to start playing a more attacking, adventurous style of football.

Retirement an option for Tevez

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:30:00 GMT

The Manchester City front-man has said he may hang up his boots or return to his beloved Boca Juniors should Argentina triumph at South Africa 2010.

Celtic's Kennedy forced to retire

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:36:00 GMT

Celtic defender John Kennedy has been forced to retire from football at the age of just 26 as a result of a long-standing knee injury.

Robson keen to attack

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:49:00 GMT

Bryan Robson has promised an attacking approach from his Thaialand side when he takes charge of his first competitive match against Singapore.

Ngog keen to prove himself

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:15:00 GMT

Liverpool striker David Ngog has said that he is eager to prove his worth and adaptability in the absence of the injured Fernando Torres.