Kolkata, a city with a deep passion for football, is grappling with Lionel Messi's international retirement. The article explores the city's unique and enduring connection to the Argentine superstar, from his memorable 2011 visit to the emotional fan reactions to his retirement, including a controversial 2023 event.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act but deferred a decision on picking a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) during its Special General Body Meeting.
Despite a population of 1.45 billion, India's football team is ranked a lowly 138th in the world and failed to qualify for next year's Asian Cup, highlighting deep-rooted systemic issues and a failure to implement reforms that keep the World Cup dream distant for fans.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will hold a Special General Body Meeting to amend its constitution in line with the National Sports Governance Act and discuss the new commercial partner for the Indian Super League.
Joakim Alexandersson has been reappointed as the head coach of the India U-17 women's national football team, less than a year after his previous departure. He will lead the squad in preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October, where India is grouped with Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq. The team aims to build on its historic quarter-final achievement in the previous Asian Cup.
Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Friday formally proposed a fundamental restructuring of the country's top-tier professional football league, seeking perpetual operational and commercial rights for a club-owned league model while retaining the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as the sport's regulator.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accused its executive committee member Valanka Alemao and her family of pressuring the organisation to include Churchill Brothers FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) through unconventional means.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing controversy after Valanka Alemao, head of the women's committee, accused AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey of harassment and intimidation during a recent meeting.
A factional feud has erupted within the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA), leading to the formation of a three-member ad hoc committee by a majority of its members. This committee aims to manage daily affairs and hold elections on August 30, bypassing current president Anuj Gupta, who has labelled the move "illegal" and plans legal action.
The All India Football Federation met with Genius Sports and Indian Super League club owners to discuss a major proposal regarding the league's commercial rights, focusing on a long-term vision for India's top-tier competition.
The AIFF has approved a September 4 start for the 2026-27 Indian Super League but deferred a final decision on the league's governance structure, with further discussions set to continue between the federation and ISL clubs.
This is India's first technology-driven residential football training centre exclusively for girls, the company has claimed.
Seven Indian Super League clubs, including East Bengal, were granted the AIFF Club Licensing Premier 1 licence with sanctions for the 2026-27 season, while applications of several top-flight sides, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC, were rejected.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has added five players to the national team for the Unity Cup in London after Mohun Bagan Super Giants withdrew their players. The AIFF is working to secure visas for the new players before the first match against Jamaica.
India's footballing future was discussed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday by Congress member Jose K Mani, as he cited tiny Dutch-Caribbean island Curacao's World Cup qualification to ask Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya about the long-term plan for sport in the country that is on a downward spiral.
The ruling means no fresh elections will be held, a move vital for Indian football since a mid-term poll could have triggered FIFA's wrath and another suspension for "third-party interference."
Diamond Harbour FC defeated Gokulam Kerala FC 5-2 in the Indian Football League, solidifying their position at the top of the table and pushing Gokulam Kerala closer to relegation.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided not to renew the contract of women's team head coach Amelia Valverde, opting to consider Indian coaches for the role following recommendations from its technical committee.
Sports Minister hears out I-League representatives; urges constructive dialogue
During the press conference, Mandaviya mumbled along while reading out the list of teams, whole mispronouncing the names of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal calling them 'Mohan Baingan' and 'East Baigan'.
FIFA on Saturday launched its first talent academy for youngsters in India in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), aiming to provide advanced training to talented footballers in the country.
AIFF and ISL clubs have reached a landmark agreement that hands commercial rights to clubs while the federation retains regulatory control, paving the way for a club-led Indian Super League from the 2026-27 season.
FIFA has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women's Development Programme, aimed at building sustainable models for women's football clubs and preparing them for the upcoming AFC club licensing system.
Staring at a permanent paralysis: Indian footballers urge FIFA intervention on ISL
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has invited bids for the commercial rights of men's and women's club competitions, offering two packages for a minimum of 15 years starting from the 2026-2027 season.
Swede Joakim Alexandersson was on Thursday appointed as the chief coach of the India women's U-20 and U-17 national teams by the All India Football Federation.
Crispin Chettri has announced a 22-member squad for the Indian women's football team to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Kenya, marking his return as head coach.
Under the draft constitution, the executive committee of the AIFF would have 14 members, who would be under the age and tenure restrictions.
In a bold push to expand India's talent pool, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has revealed that the federation is actively pursuing the inclusion of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the national football team.
Concerned about Indian football's "decline for many years", East Bengal, one of the country's oldest clubs, on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgent intervention to address the "unprecedented crisis"
Indian football team captain Sweety Devi and goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during their match against Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women's Asian Cup. The injuries occurred during a collision in the 83rd minute, leading to their team's defeat and elimination from the tournament.
The season-opening Super Cup will kick off from October 25 in Goa, an official of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Tuesday.
Twelve Indian Super League clubs have accused the All India Football Federation of retaining a surplus from the current season, despite promising not to profit from the league.
The Indian men's national football team will participate in the Unity Cup 2026, a four-nation friendly tournament held in London, marking their return to the UK for international matches after 24 years.
East Bengal secured the Indian Super League title after a dramatic season, defeating Inter Kashi in the final. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured a full-fledged format next season despite ongoing uncertainties surrounding the league's structure.
Bengaluru FC has appointed Savio Medeira, former Indian national team coach, as their head of youth development, aiming to strengthen the pathway for young players to the first team.
Bengaluru FC appoint former India coach Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development, aiming to strengthen its grassroots pathway and nurture local talent.
'We have already said that our judgment is only in the interregnum till the Act comes into play. These small things could have been easily taken care of. Anyway, we will seek the views of Justice Rao and issue a clarification.'
Several Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have hinted at uncertainty regarding their participation in the 2026-27 season due to ongoing issues surrounding the domestic top-tier competition. The clubs are reviewing their commitment beyond the current season amid disagreements with the AIFF over commercial partnerships and league structure.
The I-League, the country's second-tier football competition, will be restructured and rechristened as Indian Football League (IFL).
