News for '-afc'

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

Rediff.com4 days ago

FC Goa has been drawn into a challenging group for the AFC Challenge League 2026-27, Asia's third-tier men's club competition. They will face Qadsia SC of Kuwait, Fortis FC of Bangladesh, and FC Regar-TadAZ of Tajikistan in Group C, with matches hosted in Kuwait. This follows their recent exit from the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary stage.

East Bengal FC secure historic back-to-back AFC Women's Champions League berth

East Bengal FC secure historic back-to-back AFC Women's Champions League berth

Rediff.com1 days ago

East Bengal FC's women's team defeated Sabah FA 2-0 to secure their place in the AFC Women's Champions League Group Stage for the second consecutive time, a historic first for an Indian club. Goals from Olivia Anokye and Soumya Guguloth sealed their victory, topping Group A with a perfect record.

Blue Colts Triumph In Friendly Ahead Of AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Blue Colts Triumph In Friendly Ahead Of AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com1 days ago

The India Under-20 men's football team secured a 1-0 victory over Yemen in their second friendly match in Bengaluru. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored the decisive goal. This win comes as the Blue Colts prepare for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan, scheduled from August 31 to September 6.

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.com16 Aug 2026

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.

Three goals in 17 minutes sink FC Goa in AFC Champions League Two clash

Three goals in 17 minutes sink FC Goa in AFC Champions League Two clash

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

FC Goa's AFC Champions League Two campaign concluded with a 0-3 loss to Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag, relegating the Indian club to the AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asian club football.

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.

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.com4 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.

East Bengal eye Durand Cup semis after AFC Champions League win

East Bengal eye Durand Cup semis after AFC Champions League win

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

East Bengal, fresh from their AFC Champions League Two qualifying play-off victory, are set to face a formidable Indian Army Football Team in the Durand Cup quarterfinals. The match, crucial for a spot in the semi-finals, will test East Bengal's momentum against the Army's disciplined play. Another quarterfinal features unbeaten SC Delhi against debutants FC Raengdai.

Anokye's Brace Powers East Bengal To Commanding Win In AFC Women's Champions League Opener

Anokye's Brace Powers East Bengal To Commanding Win In AFC Women's Champions League Opener

Rediff.com7 days ago

East Bengal's women's team secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Rajshahi Stars FC of Bangladesh in their AFC Women's Champions League Preliminary Round opener, with Olivia Anokye scoring a brace and India internationals Astam Oraon and Soumya Guguloth adding to the tally.

East Bengal Face Crucial AFC Champions League Two Qualifier

East Bengal Face Crucial AFC Champions League Two Qualifier

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Reigning Indian Super League champions East Bengal are set to face Kuwaiti league runners-up Al Arabi SC in a critical AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage knockout fixture. The single-leg qualifier will determine a spot in the group stage, with East Bengal navigating squad challenges under new coach Antonio Lopez Habas.

From 0-1 to 4-1: East Bengal script stunning comeback in AFC Champions League

From 0-1 to 4-1: East Bengal script stunning comeback in AFC Champions League

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

East Bengal staged a stunning comeback from 0-1 down to beat Al Arabi SC 4-1 in extra time and seal their place in the AFC Champions League Two group

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

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.

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) met in New Delhi to discuss key issues including the Indian Super League (ISL), the AIFF's Constitution, and compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The AFC assured AIFF of continued support for Indian football.

AIFF Enhances Coach Education With AFC Fitness Course

AIFF Enhances Coach Education With AFC Fitness Course

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently conducted an AFC Fitness Course (Level 1A) at the Inspire Institute of Sport, aiming to strengthen coach education and fitness training standards within the Indian football ecosystem.

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Rediff.com22 May 2026

India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.

India U20 Men's Team Held To Draw By Yemen In Friendly Match

India U20 Men's Team Held To Draw By Yemen In Friendly Match

Rediff.com4 days ago

The India U20 men's football team played a 0-0 draw against Yemen in the first of two friendly matches in Bengaluru, as part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U-20 To Face Uzbekistan In AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian Under-20 men's team has been drawn into Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria, and Bangladesh for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tashkent from August 25 to September 6.

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

AIFF Super Cup winners FC Goa are set to face Turkmenistan's dominant FC Arkadag in a single-leg qualifying match for the AFC Champions League Two group stage. This crucial encounter marks former India defender Gouramangi Singh's debut as head coach for FC Goa, who enter the playoff with a depleted squad. The winner advances to the group stage, while the loser drops to the AFC Challenge League.

East Bengal FC Vs Al-Arabi SC: Ticket Details For Crucial Continental Match

East Bengal FC Vs Al-Arabi SC: Ticket Details For Crucial Continental Match

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

East Bengal FC is set to face Kuwait's Al-Arabi SC in a pivotal AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage match at Salt Lake Stadium, with tickets starting from Rs 149. This high-stakes fixture will determine the Indian Super League champions' continental future, offering a chance to secure a spot in the ACL Two 2026-27 group stage or drop into the AFC Challenge League.

'There is no way out': Infantino faces FIFA revolt

'There is no way out': Infantino faces FIFA revolt

Rediff.com4 days ago

Regional football powerhouses, including UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, are reportedly discussing a vote of no confidence against FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This move comes after Infantino angered them with a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. Despite significant opposition, Infantino retains support from some member associations, particularly from Africa, complicating any challenge to his leadership ahead of the 2027 election.

Blue Colts Dominate Singapore In First Friendly Match

Blue Colts Dominate Singapore In First Friendly Match

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The India U20 men's football team secured a 3-0 victory over Singapore in the first of two friendly matches held in Bengaluru, as they prepare for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com12 hours ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

Zlatko Dalic lands new job after Croatia exit

Zlatko Dalic lands new job after Croatia exit

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Zlatko Dalic, former Croatia manager, has been appointed as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates national football team. He previously led Croatia to a World Cup final and returns to the UAE where he won a league title with Al Ain.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

Denmark Loses Confidence in Infantino, Seeks New FIFA President

Denmark Loses Confidence in Infantino, Seeks New FIFA President

Rediff.com3 days ago

Denmark's football association (DBU) has declared it has lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and will seek a credible alternative for the 2027 election, citing a 'fundamental crisis of confidence' over his aborted proposal to sell commercial stakes in FIFA tournaments.

How many footballers does India really have? AIFF answers

How many footballers does India really have? AIFF answers

Rediff.com9 hours ago

The All India Football Federation has disclosed the number of registered football players, coaches, and referees in India in response to an RTI application.

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that replacing him would be a 'terrible mistake' and that the sport would 'never be as successful or profitable' without him, despite Infantino facing significant backlash and a battle to retain his position ahead of next year's presidential elections.

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

India knocked out of AFC U-17 race after 2nd loss

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's chances of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup suffered a major blow after losing to Uzbekistan in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match.

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

India U-17 Squad Named For AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Bibiano Fernandes has announced the 23-member Indian squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, set to begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 5. The team is currently in Doha for friendly matches before heading to Jeddah.

Who Could Replace FIFA President Infantino In 2027: Top Candidates

Who Could Replace FIFA President Infantino In 2027: Top Candidates

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid is facing significant challenges as several national football federations, including Serbia, Sweden, and Wales, have withdrawn their support.

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.

Explained: How No-Confidence Vote Could Oust FIFA President Infantino?

Explained: How No-Confidence Vote Could Oust FIFA President Infantino?

Rediff.com3 days ago

This article details the process and requirements for a vote of no confidence against the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, following challenges to his leadership.

India snub FIFA ASEAN Cup to face Brazil in October

India snub FIFA ASEAN Cup to face Brazil in October

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India has withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in October. This decision, confirmed by AIFF, means India will miss facing Southeast Asian teams in a FIFA-sanctioned competition, opting instead for a more challenging opponent to improve its international standing.

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

West Bengal Pledges Full Support For India-Brazil Football Clash

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.

Young Tigresses Face Japan Test In AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Young Tigresses Face Japan Test In AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com4 May 2026

India's U17 women's team faces a tough challenge against Japan in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup after an initial defeat to Australia. Coach Pamela Conti emphasises the need for a focused and perfect match to compete against the formidable Japanese side.

India trounced by Japan in AFC U-17 women's Asian Cup

India trounced by Japan in AFC U-17 women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com5 May 2026

India fought hard but lost 0-3 to Japan in their second group match of the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup. Japan scored three goals in the second half to secure the win.

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.

Punjab FC Boosts Roster With Key Signings For Upcoming Season

Punjab FC Boosts Roster With Key Signings For Upcoming Season

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Punjab FC has announced the double signing of forward Gurkirat Singh and defender Nishchal Chandan, bolstering their squad for the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. Both players have signed two-year agreements, bringing significant experience and talent to the Shers.

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.

Mizoram CM Sets Ambitious Futsal Goals For State

Mizoram CM Sets Ambitious Futsal Goals For State

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has called for the state to become a hub for Indian futsal, producing players capable of leading the national team to the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Speaking at a felicitation for Tlangnuam Futsal Club, he emphasised nurturing talent for international success and highlighted government investment in sports infrastructure.