FIFA.com - World Football - News

Home start for Mourinho, United's tough start

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:25:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho will start his second spell as Chelsea manager with a game against Hull City at Stamford Bridge, while new Manchester United manager David Moyes faces Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in three of his first four games in charge.

Carroll completes West Ham move

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:48:00 GMT

After a successful loan spell with West Ham United, England striker Andy Carroll has decided to make east London his permanent home.

Sa Pinto quits as Crvena Zvezda coach

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:10:00 GMT

Ricardo Sa Pinto has quit Crvena Zvezda after serving as manager for a brief three-month period.

Pearce's long tenure comes to an end

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:55:00 GMT

Stuart Pearce's six-year reign as England Under-21 coach has ended following the team's poor performance in the European Championship earlier this month.

Nikolov to make MLS switch

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:39:00 GMT

Oka Nikolov will get to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in Major League Soccer after Eintracht Frankfurt has agreed to terminate his one-year contract, allowing him to pursue playing in America after 19 years with the club.

Puyol to undergo further knee surgery

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is to undergo knee surgery to remove a cyst, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Isco: I have propositions from City and Real

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:31:00 GMT

Malaga playmaker Isco has disclosed that he has received offers from Manchester City and Real Madrid and discussed whether Manuel Pellegrini assuming the English club's reins will influence a decision on his future.

Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt lead charge

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:12:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt and a handful of other teams secured qualification for the final round of African qualifiers for Brazil 2014, but many groups are open with one matchday left to play.

Mourinho lays down the law to Blues

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:01:00 GMT

New Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is applying the same mentality he had when he first took over the Blues in his second tenure in charge at Stamford Bridge, warning players to "work 100 per cent for me."

Independiente suffer first-ever relegation

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:52:00 GMT

For the first time in their history, Independiente have been relegated from Argentina's top flight after losing to San Lorenzo 1-0 on Saturday.

Mata ignoring Chelsea exit reports

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:01:00 GMT

Juan Mata has played down talk Jose Mourinho wants to shift him out of Chelsea and insisted he is 'very happy' at Stamford Bridge.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:03:18 GMT

Featuring Simun Samuelsen on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bad behaviour, Jose Mourinho on how he was Barcelona’s nemesis and Giovanni Trapattoni comparing the current Spain team to the Brazil one of Pele and Co.

Pellegrini: City will play attractive football

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:30:00 GMT

Manuel Pellegrini has outlined the importance of his experience and insisted Manchester City will play adventurous football and win trophies.

Coyle replaces Martinez at Wigan

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:37:00 GMT

Wigan Athletic have named Owen Coyle as their new manager, replacing Roberto Martinez who left the relegated side to take the helm at Everton.

City place faith in seasoned Pellegrini

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:36:00 GMT

Manchester City have announced Manuel Pellegrini will take the helm of the 2011/2012 Premier League champions on a three-year contract, and City is hoping he will guide the club to a more prosperous European campaign.

Malaga sign Schuster as coach

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:55:00 GMT

Former Real Madrid coach and La Liga star Bernd Schuster will take the reins at Malaga from Manuel Pellegrini on a five-year contract, the club announced on Friday.

Netzer: Guardiola will give Bundesliga fresh impetus

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:06:00 GMT

Gunter Netzer has backed Pep Guardiola to further improve Bayern Munich and explained why his arrival will benefit the Bundsliga as a whole.

Sevilla: Rusescu hasn't come to replace Negredo

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:48:00 GMT

Sevilla have insisted new signing Raul Rusescu was not bought as a replacement for Alvaro Negredo, who has been linked with a move away from the club.

Cavani favours Real ahead of England

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:41:00 GMT

Edinson Cavani's father has revealed that the Napoli striker is very keen on joining Real Madrid and that he has already spoken to the Spanish giants.

Fiorentina sign Joaquin from Malaga

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Experienced winger Joaquin has left Malaga to pen a three-year contract with Fiorentina, who finished fourth in Serie A last term.

Make or break time in Africa

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:56:00 GMT

Although no African team has secured a spot in the final round of CAF qualifying for Brazil 2014, that could all change this weekend in what is expected to be a pivotal matchday for aspirants across the continent.

Liverpool agree Aspas deal

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:23:00 GMT

Liverpool have made their second signing this summer after the club's official website announced a deal for Iago Aspas of Spanish side Celta Vigo had been completed.

Villa sign Danish starlet Okore

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:38:00 GMT

Aston Villa announced they have signed Denmark international Jores Okore from Norsjaelland to a four-year deal after the defender successfully underwent a medical on Thursday.

Garcia to coach Roma

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:21:00 GMT

Rudi Garcia has been announced as the new coach of Roma, with the Lille coach, who led the French side to a league and cup double in 2011, set to take over the Stadio Olimpico team after a disappointing season.

Tragedy mars Africa's memories

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:09:00 GMT

With the tenth anniversary of Marc-Vivien Foe's tragic passing approaching, FIFA.com looks back at the sadness and joy of Africa's history at the Festival of Champions, the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Zanetti extends Inter stay

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:39:00 GMT

Inter Milan have announced that Javier Zanetti will continue for another year with the Italian club, after an Achilles tendon injury ruled him out of the end of the current season.

Senna ends 11-year stay at Villarreal

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:14:00 GMT

Fresh from helping Villarreal gain promotion to the Spanish top flight, veteran midfielder Marcos Senna has left the club to move to the USA.

Spain tune-up with win over resilient Irish

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:13:00 GMT

Spain, in their last match prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup, needed a pair of second-half goals before subduing Republic of Ireland in front of a large crowd at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Navas completes City move

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:27:00 GMT

Spain winger Jesus Navas has completed his move to Manchester City from Sevilla with reports suggesting the initial fee for the FIFA World Cup winner is £14.9m.

Mido hangs up his boots

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:14:00 GMT

The former Egypt international striker Mido, who won over 50 caps for his country, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 30.

Unconvincing Dutch sweep ten-man China aside

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:36:00 GMT

Goals from Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder gave the Netherlands a 2-0 win over China PR who were saw defender Qin Sheng sent off in Beijing on Tuesday.

Stuttgart sign Abdellaoue

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:07:00 GMT

Stuttgart have completed the signing of Norwegian striker Mohammed Abdellaoue from Bundesliga rivals Hannover. He had scored 29 goals in 80 Bundesliga games for the The Reds since joining in 2010.

Hiddink extends Anzhi contract

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:16:00 GMT

Anzhi Makhachkala director Konstantin Remchyukov has confirmed that the club has extended the contract of coach Guus Hiddink.

Benfica sign Partizan's Markovic

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:59:00 GMT

Benfica have signed 19-year-old Partizan Belgrade forward Lazar Markovic on a five-year contract, increasing the club's Serbian contingent.

Real make Casemiro deal permanent

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:48:00 GMT

Real Madrid have announced that they will be signing Brazil international Casemiro on a four-year contract after he impressed while on loan from Sao Paulo.

Mourinho: Moyes was a good choice for United

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 23:00:00 GMT

New Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has backed Manchester United's appointment of David Moyes as successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Van Gaal: I want to win the Premier League

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:43:00 GMT

After title triumphs in both Germany and Spain during his career, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has admitted he would like to go on and try to claim another crown in the English Premier League once he retires from international football.

Mourinho: I'm the happy one

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:22:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho has compared himself to how he was in his first spell at Chelsea, discussed his relationship with Roman Abramovich and backed the Blues to succeed.

Porto appoint Fonseca

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:39:00 GMT

Former Pacos de Ferreira coach Paulo Fonseca has been appointed by Porto on a two-year contract to succeed Vitor Pereira.

Fulop to rest after tumour op

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:16:00 GMT

Hungary international goalkeeper Marton Fulop has said that he will take a break from the game following an operation to have a tumour removed from his arm.

Di Natale: I'll carry on for as long as possible

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 02:10:00 GMT

Predatory Italy goalscorer Antonio Di Natale seems to improve with age and FIFA.com caught up with the evergreen Udinese marksman to discuss his experiences in the game over what continues to be an extraordinary career.

Favourites made to wait in Africa

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 21:25:00 GMT

Egypt, Tunisia and Congo fell just short of securing a place in the final round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ and now just two group matchdays remain before the head-to-head round.

Guam pair chase down Messi

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:43:00 GMT

Lionel Messi scored a quite remarkable 46 league goals in the 2012/13 season, but a couple of players in a remote part of the world almost matched him. FIFA.com caught up with Guam’s Scott Spindel and Ashton Surber.

Bruno Alves heads to Fenerbahce

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 08:17:00 GMT

Portuguese international defender Bruno Alves has signed for Turkish giants Fenerbahce from Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg, the Yellow Canaries announced on their website.

Neville announces retirement

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 21:25:00 GMT

Phil Neville has announced his retirement, with the former Everton, Manchester United and England midfielder calling time on a 19-year career after leaving the Goodison Park outfit at the end of the season.

Villarreal secure La Liga return

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 20:26:00 GMT

Jonathan Pereira's goal was enough to secure Villarreal's promotion from the Segunda Division to La Liga at the first attempt, following a 1-0 win over Almeria.

Resino to leave Celta

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:33:00 GMT

Celta Vigo have announced they have parted company with coach Abel Resino, despite the club narrowly escaping La Liga relegation on the final day of the season.

Arab stars shining in Europe

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 12:36:17 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look back at the Arab stars who made an impression in Europe's top leagues this season, with a UEFA Europa League semi-finalist and an English FA Cup winner among them.

Earthquakes dump Yallop as coach

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 00:09:00 GMT

Frank Yallop has been dismissed as coach of struggling San Jose Earthquakes after a five year spell in his second stint at the helm.

Moyes seals first deal as United land Varela

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:55:00 GMT

David Moyes has signed his first player as Manchester United manager with the Red Devils confirming the arrival of young Uruguay defender Guillermo Varela.

Bielsa to leave Bilbao

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:25:00 GMT

Athletic Bilbao president Josu Urrutia has confirmed that coach Marcelo Bielsa will not have his contract renewed when it expires at the end of this month.

Villa sign Bulgarian winger Tonev

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:03:00 GMT

Aston Villa signed Bulgaria winger Aleksandar Tonev from Polish club Lech Poznan after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms with the English Premier League side.

Arrasate appointed new Sociedad coach

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:41:00 GMT

Jagoba Arrasate has been appointed as Real Sociedad's youngest ever coach following the departure of Philippe Montanier to Rennes, club president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed.

African trio eye final round spots

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 06:28:00 GMT

Egypt, Tunisia and Congo could become the first teams to cement their place in the last stage of 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying in Africa this weekend. FIFA.com previews a potentially pivotal matchday on the Mother Continent.

Mazzarri: Get ready for toil

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:26:00 GMT

Under the direction of new coach Walter Mazzarri, Inter Milan's summer pre-season will be arduous as Mazzarri has said he wants to instill the work ethic he established at Napoli with his new squad.

City sign Brazil star Fernandinho

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:19:00 GMT

Manchester City continued their big summer spending as they have announced the signing of Brazil midfielder Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk, only two days after Sevilla announced a deal to send Jesus Navas to City.

Swansea swoop for Canas

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:15:00 GMT

Michael Laudrup's first summer signing for Swansea is Real Betis midfielder Jose Canas, the Welsh club announced, and the deal will be completed once the transfer window opens on 1 July.

South Africa legend McCarthy retires

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Benni McCarthy, South Africa's all-time leading marksman, has hung up his boots and expressed his satisfaction over a noteworthy career.

Ribery, Van Buyten extend Bayern deals

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:20:00 GMT

Franck Ribery and Daniel van Buyten have committed their futures to Bayern Munich, with the former expressing his delight at his new contract.

Higuain: I’m not jealous of Gonzalo

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:19:00 GMT

Federico Higuain chats to FIFA.com about being part of a sporting family, his career path, life at Colombus Crew and why scoring goals is not of utmost importance to him.

Neymar: I want to make my mark at Barça

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:38:00 GMT

Neymar has been speaking about his hopes for his Barcelona career, the club's style of play, and has played down comparisons with the club's most recent Brazilian star, Ronaldinho.

Baldini leaves Roma

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:35:00 GMT

Franco Baldini has confirmed that he has left his position as Roma sporting director, with Walter Sabatini taking over.

Who should your club sign?

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know which players you'd like to see bolster your squad.

Cruzeiro edge Corinthians to move top

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:33:00 GMT

A late Dagoberto penalty saw Cruzeiro edge out 10-man Corinthians 1-0 to leap to the top of the fledgling table, while Sao Paulo suffered their first defeat of the season at home to Goias.

Three-star Union bust Crew

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:20:00 GMT

Three first-half goals gave Philadelphia Union a comfortable 3-0 win over fellow midtable Eastern Conference side Columbus Crew.

Aussie youngster Antonis signs with Parma

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:21:00 GMT

Highly-rated Australia under-20 midfielder Terry Antonis has completed a transfer to Parma, following in the footsteps of compatriots Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano.

Schwarzer to leave Fulham after Stekelenburg signing

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:41:00 GMT

Mark Schwarzer will depart Fulham after the Cottagers signed Netherlands international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, with the Socceroos custodian saying he needs regular football should Australia qualify for Brazil 2014.

Suarez strike sees Uruguay overcome France

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:58:00 GMT

Luis Suarez scored just five minutes into the second half to give Uruguay a 1-0 win in a friendly against France in Montevideo's Centenario Stadium.

Heynckes writes coaching history

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at some of the reaction to Jupp Heynckes' near-perfect season at Bayern Munich, and hears from the man himself on what he plans to do next.

Everton confirm Martinez appointment

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:11:00 GMT

Everton have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Roberto Martinez and that the Spaniard will be the club's new manager, succeeding David Moyes.

Neymar, Falcao star in early transfer action

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:05:36 GMT

The curtain may have just come down on Europe’s major leagues, but many clubs are already preparing for next season. Several have made their intentions clear, by pulling off some eye-catching deals. FIFA.com rounds up the main moves noted across the continent,

Borgonovo: Allegri is a fantastic coach

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:51:00 GMT

Former Italy and AC Milan striker Stefano Borgonovo, who now suffers from a debilitating disease, writes about Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri for FIFA.com.

Lewandowski keen to leave Dortmund

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:56:00 GMT

Robert Lewandowski has confirmed that he wants to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, saying it "would be the best for everbody involved".

Martins: I’ll fight to the end

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:28:00 GMT

Though Bolivia lie one place off the bottom of the South American group, front man Marcelo Martins believes they can still qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Kewell agrees Heart move

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 07:12:00 GMT

Harry Kewell has confirmed that he is to return to the A-League to work under former team-mate John Aloisi at Melbourne Heart.

Schaefer out as Thailand seek new coach

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 06:21:00 GMT

The Football Association of Thailand have confirmed that German Winfried Schafer has been sacked as national coach.

Big-scoring Romania lead the way

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 02:05:00 GMT

Romania grabbed the headlines among a host of international matches played on Tuesday with the Europeans cruising to a 4-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, while Poland and Bulgaria were also in the winner's circle.

Anin in coma after crash

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:34:00 GMT

Nice midfielder Kevin Anin has been seriously injured in a road accident and placed in an induced coma.

Karembeu, Issa handed Olympiacos roles

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:53:00 GMT

FIFA World Cup™-winner Christian Karembeu has been appointed to an administrative role at Greek champions Olympiacos, with ex-South Africa international Pierre Issa also to take a position at the club.

Panathinaikos sign Bajrami from Twente

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:48:00 GMT

Panathinaikos announced Emir Bajrami will join the Greek Super League side on a three-year contract from Twente after the Swedish international spent the last year on loan at Monaco.

Sevilla snub Hammers Negredo bid

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:44:00 GMT

After having announced a deal with Manchester City for midfielder Jesus Navas Monday, Sevilla President Jose Maria del Nido has said the club rejected a €17m offer to send Alvaro Negredo to West Ham United.

Jesus extends Benfica stay

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:45:00 GMT

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has signed a two-year extension to his contract, the Portuguese giants announced, with Jesus extending his stay until June 2015.

Eriksson takes charge at Guangzhou R&F

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:20:00 GMT

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been named head coach of Chinese club Guangzhou R&F after leaving his role as Technical Director of United Arab Emirates club Al Nasr.

Raja reclaim their crown

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:51:17 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the league season in Morocco, where Raja Casablanca secured their 11th title and a place at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Mariners' Ibini bound for Shanghai SIPG

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:39:00 GMT

Australian striker Bernie Ibini has completed a move to Chinese club Shanghai SIPG from A-League champions Central Coast Mariners.

Sevilla accept City offer for Navas

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 01:32:00 GMT

Sevilla have announced that they have accepted a bid from Manchester City for Spanish FIFA World Cup™-winner Jesus Navas.

Roberto Carlos takes charge at Sivasspor

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:01:00 GMT

Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos has been named as the new head coach of Turkish Super Lig side Sivasspor on a two-year contract, after leaving his role at Anzhi Makhachkala.

Mourinho returns to Chelsea

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:44:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho has been appointed as Chelsea manager for a second time, the Premier League club have confirmed. The Portuguese coach signed a four-year deal at the club he left in 2007.

United to honour Ferdinand with Sevilla game

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:23:00 GMT

Rio Ferdinand will be honoured with a testimonial match for Manchester United against Spanish side Sevilla on 9 August, the Premier League champions announced on Monday.

Atletico Madrid sign Rayo's Baptistao

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:21:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of forward Leo Baptistao from Rayo Vallecano for an undisclosed fee.

Mel signs new Betis deal

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:13:00 GMT

Real Betis coach Pepe Mel has extended his deal with Los Verdiblancos until 2017, following a successful campaign which ended in their highest league finish for eight years.

Carvajal returns to Real

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:29:00 GMT

Real Madrid have exercised an option to buy back defender Daniel Carvajal from Bayer Leverkusen for €6.5 million.

Iniesta: Messi, Neymar will be better together

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:16:00 GMT

Andres Iniesta has tipped Lionel Messi and Neymar to bring the best out of each other when they link up for Barcelona next season.

Milan keep faith in Allegri

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:55:00 GMT

The speculation surrounding the position of AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been ended after club owner Silvio Berlusconi said that he will be staying on next season.

Barcelona reclaim La Liga crown once more

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:28:23 GMT

In Spain Barcelona were champions with a record-equalling 100 points. Deportivo La Coruna, Mallorca and Real Zaragoza said adios to La Liga, while Raphael Varane, Leo Baptistao and Diego Costa made their mark on the Spanish top-flight.

Leverkusen sign Sevilla's Palop

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:17:00 GMT

Bayer Leverkusen have signed veteran goalkeeper Andres Palop from Spanish side Sevilla on a one-year contract.

Unlikely Nigerian hero thinking big

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 03:34:00 GMT

After a breakout performance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, Nigeria's Sunday Mba is set to play a big part in 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying as well as this month's FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

England hold Brazil in Maracana friendly

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 21:45:00 GMT

An entertaining friendly at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana between Brazil and England ended 2-2, with the final three goals coming in a 15 minute spell.

Trap hails "destined" Keane

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 21:15:00 GMT

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni watched his captain Robbie Keane match a milestone as he led his team to a 4-0 win over Georgia in Dublin.

USA edge Germany on Dempsey double

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:56:00 GMT

On a sweltering day in Washington, DC, the United States held on to beat Germany 4-3 at RFK Stadium, spurred on by an early goal from Jozy Altidore and a brace from Clint Dempsey in the second half.

Tymoshchuk heading back to Russia

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:25:00 GMT

Following his team's completion of a historic treble, Ukrainian international Anatoliy Tymoshchuk will be leaving Bayern Munich for Zenit St. Petersburg after four seasons with the Bavarians.