News for 'AFC'

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.com5 days ago

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 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.

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.

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.

Shaji Prabhakaran: OCI/PIO Players Need Balanced Strategy For Indian Football

Shaji Prabhakaran: OCI/PIO Players Need Balanced Strategy For Indian Football

Rediff.com7 days ago

AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran advocates for a balanced, long-term strategy for integrating OCI and PIO players into Indian football, stressing it's not a complete solution but a part of broader development. He also analyses recent World Cup semifinals, highlighting Spain's tactical dominance and Argentina's fighting spirit.

India U20 Women Secure First AFC Asian Cup Win Since 2004

India U20 Women Secure First AFC Asian Cup Win Since 2004

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian U20 women's team defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their final Group C match of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, boosting their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.

India U20 Women's Team Finalises Squad for AFC Asian Cup Thailand 2026

India U20 Women's Team Finalises Squad for AFC Asian Cup Thailand 2026

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Joakim Alexandersson, the head coach of the Indian U20 women's team, has announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup Thailand 2026. India will face Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage, aiming for a quarter-final spot and a chance to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

Mumbai City FC Secure Manolo Marquez As New Head Coach

Mumbai City FC Secure Manolo Marquez As New Head Coach

Rediff.com4 days ago

Manolo Marquez, a highly successful coach in Indian football, has been appointed as the new head coach for Mumbai City FC on a one-year contract for the 2026-2027 season. Marquez brings a wealth of experience, including leading Hyderabad FC to an ISL Cup title and coaching the Indian national team.

India U-17 Women's Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

India U-17 Women's Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian U-17 Women's team is set to play a three-match friendly series against Russia in Sochi as part of their preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2026.

Young Tigresses Overwhelmed by Japan in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Young Tigresses Overwhelmed by Japan in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's football team faced a tough start in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, suffering a 6-0 defeat against Japan. Despite a promising start, Japan's dominance, particularly in the second half, proved too much for the Young Tigresses.

Australia Overwhelms India in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Clash

Australia Overwhelms India in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's team suffered a 0-5 defeat against Australia in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, leaving their knockout stage hopes hanging by a thread.

Wasteful India bow out of AFC Women's Asian Cup

Wasteful India bow out of AFC Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India's AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign ended with a 3-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei, highlighting their inability to convert chances despite dominating the game.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com1 days ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

India U17 Team Gears Up for AFC U17 Asian Cup with International Friendlies

India U17 Team Gears Up for AFC U17 Asian Cup with International Friendlies

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Indian U17 men's football team is set to play friendly matches against Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea Republic in Thailand as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

India's Final AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Hong Kong to be Held in Kochi

India's Final AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Hong Kong to be Held in Kochi

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India's final match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers against Hong Kong will be held in Kochi on March 31. Although India is out of contention for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the match is still important for FIFA ranking points.

AFC Shifts Postponed Knockout Games to Neutral Venue in Jeddah

AFC Shifts Postponed Knockout Games to Neutral Venue in Jeddah

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

AFC relocates four postponed Asian Champions League Elite last-16 ties to Jeddah as single-leg matches amid Middle East tensions.

Punjab FC Strengthens Squad With Mohammed Inam Signing

Punjab FC Strengthens Squad With Mohammed Inam Signing

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Punjab FC has announced the signing of Mohammed Inam, a talented footballer from Jammu and Kashmir, on a two-year contract. Inam, who previously captained Real Kashmir FC, brings experience from the Indian Football League, I-League qualifiers, and the Durand Cup to his new club.

Young Tigresses Fall to Russia in First Friendly Ahead of AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Young Tigresses Fall to Russia in First Friendly Ahead of AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The Indian U17 women's team lost 4-0 to Russia in a friendly match as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

How India's U20 Women's Team Prepared for AFC Asian Cup

How India's U20 Women's Team Prepared for AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India's U20 Women's team, led by Shubhangi Singh, is prepared for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup after a month-long training camp in Europe. The team is focused on the group stage challenges against Japan, Australia, and Chinese Taipei.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com5 days ago

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

India in race to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday confirmed India's bid to host the Asian Cup in 2031

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.

AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup: India's Quarter-Final Hopes Rest on Victory Against Chinese Taipei

AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup: India's Quarter-Final Hopes Rest on Victory Against Chinese Taipei

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

India U20 Women's team must win against Chinese Taipei to keep their hopes alive for reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.

India U20 Women's Team Confident Ahead of AFC Asian Cup

India U20 Women's Team Confident Ahead of AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

India U20 women's team head coach Joakim Alexandersson expresses confidence in his team's progress ahead of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand, highlighting improvements in ball movement, passing, and defensive organisation.

Sweety Devi and Panthoi Chanu Hospitalised After AFC Women's Asian Cup Clash

Sweety Devi and Panthoi Chanu Hospitalised After AFC Women's Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

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.

India U-20 Women's Team Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup with Bangkok Camp

India U-20 Women's Team Gears Up for AFC Asian Cup with Bangkok Camp

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The India women's Under-20 football team has arrived in Bangkok for a pre-tournament acclimatisation camp ahead of the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup in Thailand.

India Women's Team Crushed by Japan in AFC Asian Cup Clash

India Women's Team Crushed by Japan in AFC Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

India's women's football team suffered a heavy 0-11 defeat against Japan in their second group match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Despite the loss, India still has a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat Chinese Taipei in their final group match.

India Women Prepare for Tough AFC Asian Cup Clash Against Japan

India Women Prepare for Tough AFC Asian Cup Clash Against Japan

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

India's women's team faces a tough challenge against Japan in their second AFC Women's Asian Cup match after a narrow defeat to Vietnam. The team aims to maintain intensity and adapt tactically against the formidable Japanese side.

India Face Vietnam in AFC Women's Asian Cup Opener

India Face Vietnam in AFC Women's Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India face Vietnam in their opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, with concerns over India's lack of international game time.

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on a High

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on a High

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, with Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for the future.

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

India U-20 Women Face Japan in AFC Asian Cup Opener with World Cup Qualification at Stake

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Under-20 women's football team begins their AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup campaign against Japan, aiming for a spot in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026.

AFC Women's Asian Cup squad: Mix of youth and experience

AFC Women's Asian Cup squad: Mix of youth and experience

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

India name six uncapped players in 26-member squad for AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia, targeting quarterfinals and World Cup qualification.

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Authorities send kits made for junior teams to senior squad at AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Indian women's national football team has lodged a formal complaint with the AIFF regarding ill-fitting kits received just before their opening AFC Women's Asian Cup match in Australia, citing a lack of professionalism and disruption to their preparations.

Why ISL Clubs Are Reviewing Their Commitment

Why ISL Clubs Are Reviewing Their Commitment

Rediff.com23 May 2026

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.

India concede late goal, lose to Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup opener

India concede late goal, lose to Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup opener

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Indian women's football team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Vietnam in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup, conceding a late goal in injury time.