Search results for ' Football'

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jamshedpur FC has announced its withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL) starting from the 2026-27 season, hours after missing a payment deadline. The club stated its commitment to promoting and developing football at the grassroots level in India. This comes amidst a new agreement between AIFF and ISL clubs for a club-led model of the league.

Van Dijk: Liverpool's new defence needs time to gel

Van Dijk: Liverpool's new defence needs time to gel

Rediff.com4 days ago

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledges that the club's newly revamped backline, featuring Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet, will require time to develop strong partnerships and click into gear, despite their promising start in a friendly.

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa has strongly criticised FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, calling the lack of consultation "totally unacceptable". He stated that FIFA's unilateral actions undermine continental football and urged member federations to await further discussions before approving the $20 billion proposal.

Blue Colts Gear Up For AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers With Yemen Friendlies

Blue Colts Gear Up For AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers With Yemen Friendlies

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Indian U20 men's football team is set to play two friendly matches against Yemen in Bengaluru as part of their preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. These matches follow two recent victories against Singapore and precede their travel to Tashkent for the qualifiers against Syria, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh.

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

'Stay calm': India goalkeeper Bichu Devi embraces Dhoni's mantra for hockey World Cup

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's World Cup goalkeeper Bichu Devi, inspired by cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emphasises the importance of composure under pressure.

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Australia's players union has joined global criticism of FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup and other events, citing a lack of transparency and pressure on member associations to approve the $20 billion plan.

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has clarified that the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup is a proposal and 'not an obligation', following strong criticism from regional football confederations who felt blindsided by the idea.

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday that the world soccer's governing body has abandoned its controversial plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, following widespread backlash from major confederations and internal dissent.

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

UEFA and CONCACAF say they have lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body withdrew its controversial World Cup rights plan.

Did FIFA bow to pressure? Prince Ali thinks so

Did FIFA bow to pressure? Prince Ali thinks so

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Prince Ali bin Hussein, President of the Jordan Football Association, revealed that FIFA paid outstanding prize money to Jordan's national team after he accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of blackmail. Prince Ali had alleged FIFA withheld funds for reaching the 2025 Arab Cup final, linking payment to his endorsement of Infantino. Despite receiving the funds, Prince Ali reiterated his refusal to endorse or vote for Infantino, highlighting ongoing concerns about FIFA's leadership and its presidential elections.

East Bengal Women Achieve Historic 12-0 Victory In AFC Champions League

East Bengal Women Achieve Historic 12-0 Victory In AFC Champions League

Rediff.com2 days ago

East Bengal FC's women's team achieved a historic 12-0 victory over Rovers FC (Guam) in the AFC Women's Champions League preliminary stage, marking the biggest win by an Indian club in any Asian competition. This dominant performance puts them one step closer to the group stage.

Ready For The World Humanoid Robot Games?

Ready For The World Humanoid Robot Games?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Glimpses of humanoid robots training across soccer, table tennis and other events ahead of the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment

Rediff.com1 days ago

Chelsea is undergoing a significant close-season transformation under new manager Xabi Alonso, with major signings like Morgan Rogers.

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

FIFA World Cup: 'Let's talk football': Vozinha shrugs off visa drama

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Rediff.com50 minutes ago

Hull City marked their Premier League return after nine years with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United, exposing flaws in Michael Carrick's promising side.

Sports Ministry Clears 492-Member Indian Squad For Asian Games

Sports Ministry Clears 492-Member Indian Squad For Asian Games

Rediff.com3 hours ago

The Sports Ministry has approved a 492-member Indian contingent, comprising 265 male and 227 female athletes, for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Athletics forms the largest group with 73 participants, including star athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Jyothi Yarraji. Other prominent sports like shooting, weightlifting, badminton, boxing, and wrestling also feature strong teams, with some adjustments made due to doping violations.

World Cup hero Ferran Torres joins PSG from Barcelona on six-year deal

World Cup hero Ferran Torres joins PSG from Barcelona on six-year deal

Rediff.com7 days ago

Paris St Germain have signed Spain's World Cup-winning forward Ferran Torres from Barcelona on a contract until 2031, the two clubs announced on Saturday.

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, aims to democratise global football finance but has been condemned by UEFA as selling the game's "soul."

CONCACAF Rejects FIFA's World Cup Stake Sale Plan

CONCACAF Rejects FIFA's World Cup Stake Sale Plan

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

CONCACAF, the regional football bloc for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, has rejected FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, citing deep concerns over a lack of due process and transparency.

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

Rediff.com23 May 2026

A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.

UEFA's 'Clear Line' platform aims to clarify VAR rules for all

UEFA's 'Clear Line' platform aims to clarify VAR rules for all

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

UEFA has introduced 'Clear Line', a new platform designed to provide clear guidelines on when and how the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system should intervene, aiming to reduce controversy and increase understanding among all football stakeholders.

Jordan FA President alleges FIFA offered help for Infantino endorsement

Jordan FA President alleges FIFA offered help for Infantino endorsement

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Jordan Football Association President Ali bin Hussein has publicly accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of 'blackmail', alleging that FIFA offered to resolve the kingdom's football problems in exchange for his endorsement, a claim FIFA has been contacted about for comment.

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.

New France Head Coach Zidane aiming for Euro 2028 glory

New France Head Coach Zidane aiming for Euro 2028 glory

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 World Cup hero and former Real Madrid manager, has been appointed to lead the France national team, with the primary goal of converting recent near-misses into major trophies, starting with the 2028 European Championship.

Brazilian Star Rodriguinho Shines With Five Goals In SC Delhi's Durand Cup Rout

Brazilian Star Rodriguinho Shines With Five Goals In SC Delhi's Durand Cup Rout

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Brazilian forward Rodriguinho made a sensational debut for SC Delhi, scoring five goals to lead his team to a dominant 7-0 victory over Defenders FC in the Durand Cup. This win propelled SC Delhi to the top of Group C, bringing them closer to a quarter-final spot, while Defenders FC exited the tournament without a point.

'I don't know how to carry on': Messi hints at retirement?

'I don't know how to carry on': Messi hints at retirement?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Lionel Messi has shared a deeply personal and emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, on Instagram, expressing his profound grief and recalling his father's encouragement to play in one final World Cup.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, a move that has drawn fierce criticism from UEFA, who accused the governing body of putting the game's 'soul' up for sale.

Uruguay hands Diego Forlan top coaching role

Uruguay hands Diego Forlan top coaching role

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward, has been named the new head coach for Uruguay's senior and Under-20 national football teams. He replaces Marcelo Bielsa, who left after Uruguay's early exit from the World Cup. Forlan, a celebrated player and 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner, will bring his experience and leadership to the role, starting with the Under-20 squad.

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com4 days ago

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.

Tottenham's Record Spending Fuels New Ambition, Says Defender

Tottenham's Record Spending Fuels New Ambition, Says Defender

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Tottenham Hotspur's club-record 237 million summer spending spree has significantly transformed the mood and ambition at the London club, according to Dutch defender Mick van de Ven, following a stressful and unacceptable previous season.

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Pakistan Hockey Legend Samiullah Khan Urges Strong Defence Against India

Rediff.com4 days ago

Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.

UEFA nations to boycott World Cup over FIFA stake sale plans

UEFA nations to boycott World Cup over FIFA stake sale plans

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

UEFA's member associations have unanimously voted to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions in protest against FIFA's plan to sell stakes to external investors in a subsidiary managing its tournaments.

Cristo Fernandez Trades Acting For Pro Football

Cristo Fernandez Trades Acting For Pro Football

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas, has signed a professional football contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, a U.S. second-tier team, fulfilling a lifelong dream after overcoming a past knee injury.

Hope returns to Old Trafford as Carrick plots Manchester United's rise back to the top

Hope returns to Old Trafford as Carrick plots Manchester United's rise back to the top

Rediff.com2 days ago

Michael Carrick aims to build on Manchester United's revival, balancing renewed confidence, squad reinforcements and Champions League demands while pushing the club toward sustained success among England's Premier League elite.

Highlanders Clash With Mariners In Durand Cup Semifinal

Highlanders Clash With Mariners In Durand Cup Semifinal

Rediff.com3 days ago

Defending champions NorthEast United FC are set to face 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup. NorthEast United, chasing a third consecutive title, made a strong comeback in their quarterfinal, while Mohun Bagan advanced via a penalty shootout after a solid defensive campaign. Both teams are fully fit and ready for a challenging encounter.

IFL 2026-27 Season: New Rules For Foreign Players, Youth Development

IFL 2026-27 Season: New Rules For Foreign Players, Youth Development

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season will commence on October 16, with new regulations limiting foreign players to three in the starting line-up to boost local talent. Clubs also committed to enhancing youth development through AIFF academy accreditation.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to commercialise its events and offer stakes to external investors, has drawn significant criticism from governing bodies like UEFA and CONCACAF, who accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency and attempting to 'sell the soul of football'.