Search results for 'soccer'

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup, minister says

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.

Badass Entertainment Coming Up On OTT!

Badass Entertainment Coming Up On OTT!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

This week's OTT releases feature a diverse range of genres, from the adult entertainment platform-focused Margo's Got Money Troubles starring Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman, to the Hindi crime drama Matka King with Vijay Varma, exploring Bombay's gambling culture.

Three Iran footballers drop asylum bid, opt to return home

Three Iran footballers drop asylum bid, opt to return home

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Iranian women footballers Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and Zahra Meshkehkar, decided to return to their country days after seeking asylum in Australia.

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

War fears cloud Iran's FIFA World Cup trip to the USA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Eighteen months of preparation hang in the balance at a Tucson-based multi-use sports facility, where organisers say they remain in daily contact with FIFA about hosting Iran's national soccer team, even as geopolitical turmoil threatens to upend their World Cup plans.

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Iran footballers return home after asylum U-turn by players

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Members of Iran women's football team returned home after five players withdrew asylum claims in Australia, ending a tense journey amid safety concerns.

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

'I really don't care' if Iran play in World Cup': Trump

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid an escalating regional war, questions deepen over whether Iran's soccer team will compete at this year's FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Spain vs Argentina Finalissima in doubt after Middle East strikes

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina in Doha is in doubt after the Qatar Football Association suspended soccer tournaments indefinitely following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missiles fired at the Arabian Peninsula.

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

'Welcome to the White House': US President Donald Trump Celebrates Lionel Messi

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump welcomed Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team to the White House on Thursday as he boasted about the United States' ongoing operation in Iran.

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

Champions League: Benfica Hit With UEFA Fine After Racist Incident In Real Madrid Game

Champions League: Benfica Hit With UEFA Fine After Racist Incident In Real Madrid Game

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

UEFA has fined Benfica 40,000 euros for racist behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid.

Spanish police probe Islamophobic chants at Spain-Egypt friendly

Spanish police probe Islamophobic chants at Spain-Egypt friendly

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Spanish police investigate Islamophobic chants during Spain vs Egypt friendly, drawing condemnation from government and football authorities over racism in stadiums.

Lego teams up with Messi, Ronaldo for FIFA World Cup 2026

Lego teams up with Messi, Ronaldo for FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Lego is collaborating with football stars Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. to release new sets ahead of the 2026 World Cup, featuring letter-shaped designs, display models, and a 3D wall art piece of Messi.

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Iran women's team drama: Players drop asylum bid

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

MLS Eyes Defining Year Amid World Cup, Messi Mania

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

MLS enters its 31st season amid World Cup buzz and Lionel Messi's impact, with Don Garber calling it a defining moment for the league's future.

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

FIFA to lead $75m project to build football ecosystem in Gaza

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

FIFA and Board of Peace to support Gaza reconstruction through football

La Liga Title Race: Barcelona Extends Lead, Real Madrid Suffers Setback

La Liga Title Race: Barcelona Extends Lead, Real Madrid Suffers Setback

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid, extending their lead in La Liga after Real Madrid's loss to Mallorca. Key goals from Lewandowski and Rashford secured Barcelona's victory, while Muriqi's late goal sealed Mallorca's win against Real.

Messi joins 900-goal club, but Miami exit Champions Cup

Messi joins 900-goal club, but Miami exit Champions Cup

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal, but Inter Miami CF were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC.

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

MLS Kicks Off Pivotal Season With Messi, Son In Spotlight

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

MLS begins a transformative season with Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and record transfers as North America prepares to host the World Cup.

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former Iranian water polo player Reza Soleimani expresses devastation over the execution of wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and voices support for Iranian athletes protesting against the government.

No risk to World Cup fans, says Mexico President

No risk to World Cup fans, says Mexico President

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday there was "no risk" to fans coming to the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after violence erupted following the capture and death of Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader, notably in Jalisco state.

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Iranian football team is welcome to play in FIFA World Cup in US: Donald Trump

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Security guard tackles Messi during Inter Miami match

Security guard tackles Messi during Inter Miami match

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Lionel Messi was accidentally tackled by a security guard during Inter Miami's friendly win over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico after a fan invaded the pitch.

Football games postponed in Mexico after cartel leader's death sparks violence

Football games postponed in Mexico after cartel leader's death sparks violence

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Several soccer games in Mexico were postponed due to violence following a military operation and the reported death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho."

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Drug lord El Mencho's murder: FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

Champions League: Benfica's Prestianni Suspended For Real Madrid Match Over Racism Allegations

Champions League: Benfica's Prestianni Suspended For Real Madrid Match Over Racism Allegations

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for one match following allegations of a racist slur directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match.

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Will Iran pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in US, Canada, Mexico?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

Football returns to Gaza scarred by war

Football returns to Gaza scarred by war

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

On a worn-out five-a-side pitch in a wasteland of ruined buildings and rubble, Jabalia Youth took on Al-Sadaqa in the Gaza Strip's first organised soccer tournament in more than two years.

Ex-EPL referee sentenced over schoolboy video

Ex-EPL referee sentenced over schoolboy video

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Ex-Premier League soccer referee Coote gets suspended sentence for indecent image charge

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

T20 World Cup, India vs Netherlands: 'Bigger Than FIFA World Cup': Dutch Excited For India Clash

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The Netherlands cricket team is excited to play against India in their final T20 World Cup league fixture at the world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

Tendulkar lauds Italy as Mosca Brothers Star in Historic Win

Tendulkar lauds Italy as Mosca Brothers Star in Historic Win

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Italy registered their first-ever T20 World Cup win, thrashing Nepal by 10 wickets as the Mosca brothers scripted history with an unbeaten 123-run stand.

Explained: What athletes can and cannot say at the Olympics

Explained: What athletes can and cannot say at the Olympics

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The ejection of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Games over his "helmet of remembrance" has put the spotlight on rules over where athletes are not allowed to express themselves on political matters at the Olympics.

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Between 9 and 13 December, the Argentina Football Fans Club of Kolkata is turning Aikatan, a cultural hub just a short walk from Salt Lake Stadium, into a full-blown Messi fan zone, drenched in Argentina's blue and white.

T20 World Cup: Italy begin maiden campaign against Scotland

T20 World Cup: Italy begin maiden campaign against Scotland

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Football giants Italy begin cricket World Cup's maiden campaign against Scotland

Age 40, still hungry: Ronaldo sets sights on 1,000 goals

Age 40, still hungry: Ronaldo sets sights on 1,000 goals

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Ronaldo's double for Saudi side Al-Nassr on Saturday took his tally to 956 goals for club and country, and with the 40-year-old set to play on for "one or two more years" his target looks achievable.

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Boos, cheers and fireworks mark Milan Olympics opener

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony, showcasing Italian culture and athletic spirit, while also highlighting global political tensions through crowd reactions and protests.

World Football's Biggest Earners Revealed!

World Football's Biggest Earners Revealed!

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Real Madrid are football's biggest earners, Liverpool best in Premier League

After stint in Greek League, Manisha Kalyan moves to Peru

After stint in Greek League, Manisha Kalyan moves to Peru

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Renowned Indian women's team midfielder Manisha Kalyan has been signed up by Peruvian club Alianza Lima, a move aimed at bolstering the "team's attack"

16 women's soccer teams for '28 Olympics; 12 men's

16 women's soccer teams for '28 Olympics; 12 men's

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will feature an increase in women's soccer teams from 12 to 16, while the men's competition will be downsized from 16 to a dozen teams, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

41st Season at 58: J-League Legend Defies Time Again

41st Season at 58: J-League Legend Defies Time Again

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Japan soccer great Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, said on Friday he had all but given up on a return to the J-League before signing for Fukushima United, adding that he hopes to contribute with goals and assists in the latest chapter of his age-defying career.

Soccer PIX: Draws order of the day in Europe as Juve held in derby

Soccer PIX: Draws order of the day in Europe as Juve held in derby

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

IMAGES from matches played across European leagues on Saturday