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.
East Bengal suffered a 0-1 defeat against FC Arkadag of Turkmenistan in the first leg of their AFC Challenge League quarterfinal.
Indian club East Bengal produced an utterly dominant show to crush Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings 4-0 in their AFC Challenge League match in Thimphu on Tuesday.
East Bengal, who trailed Nejmeh by two points heading into this encounter, took the lead in the eighth minute when Madih Talal's corner kick was inadvertently headed into his own net by Baba Musah at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.
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.
"By introducing a structured competition platform ... we aim to ensure consistent access to high-quality matches while addressing logistical and cost-related challenges faced by national teams."
Bengaluru FC appoint former India coach Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development, aiming to strengthen its grassroots pathway and nurture local talent.
India left out most of their younger players who featured in the pre-Olympic qualifiers against Myanmar from the 23-member squad for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round tournament, starting on March 21 in Kuala Lumpur.
East Bengal ended a 22-year wait to win the national league crown, defeating Inter Kashi in a thrilling final. Under coach Oscar Bruzon, the team overcame early setbacks and showed resilience to secure the title, marking a defining moment for the club and Indian football.
Bengaluru FC has appointed Spaniard Pep Munoz as their new head coach, signing him until the end of the 2026-27 season. Munoz brings experience from FC Barcelona's youth setup and a successful stint in Cambodia.
India struck two late goals as they beat Pakistan 3-1 in their second league match of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers to book a place in the final round of the tournament, in Kuala Lumpur.
National football team striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has been advised eight-weeks rest and stays doubtful for India's campaign in the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Nepal.
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.
'With the exception of any additional slot(s) allocated to a Member Association in accordance with Articles 3.4 and 3.5, Member Associations that fail to fulfil the Member Association Eligibility Criteria shall, subject to Article 4.4, be eligible to be allocated only indirect slots for the relevant AFC Club Competition.'
Arsenal's title hopes suffer a blow with a home defeat to Bournemouth, while Liverpool strengthens their Champions League aspirations with a win over Fulham. Brentford and Everton draw in a battle of top-five contenders.
India's miserable campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup ended with a 0-4 rout by strong contenders DPR Korea in their last league encounter at the Dashrath Stadium, in Kathmandu, on Friday.
A 22-member India Under-23 football squad left the country on Sunday to defend their title in the AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Colombo from February 16-27.
Hosts Dempo SC went down tamely 0-4 to Nasaf FC of Uzbekistan in a Group-A encounter of the AFC Challenge Cup, at the Balewadi Sports Complex, in Pune, on Tuesday.
FC Goa went down 1-2 to Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr in their third Group A fixture of the AFC Champions League Two, in Margao, on Wednesday.
Irish footballers, celebrities and campaigners have urged the FAI to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, citing the Gaza conflict and alleged breaches of FIFA and UEFA statutes.
The Champions League Two features 32 clubs divided into eight groups - four West, four East - of four teams each for the group stage, which will be played in a home-and-away round-robin format from September 17 to December 5.
The Mariners had successfully defended their ISL Shield to book a direct berth in ACL 2, finishing eight points clear of FC Goa.
Phnom Penh Crown will next face Hong Kong's Kitchee SC on Thursday, while East Bengal take on the same opponents on Sunday.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has defended its decision to appoint Amelia Valverde as head coach of the women's national team and addressed the controversy surrounding team kits during the Asian Cup.
The Indian football team suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Myanmar in its last league match of the qualifying event of the AFC Challenge Cup in Yangon on Wednesday.
Kiran Pisda, an Indian footballer with international experience, showcased her versatility by playing as a goalkeeper for Chhattisgarh in the Khelo India Tribal Games.
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.
The centralised semi-finals and the final are scheduled for May 20 to 23, next year.
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.
Two companies are competing for the Indian Super League and Federation Cup commercial rights, with Genius Sports offering over Rs 2100 crore. Capri Sports bids for the Indian Women's League rights.
12 ISL clubs agree to participate in Super Cup, winner to get ACL 2 play-off spot
East Bengal, playing with 10 men for most of the match, conceded two late goals to FC Arkadag and lost 1-2 in the second leg of the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals.
East Bengal kicked off their AFC Challenge League campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Bhutan's Paro FC, salvaging a crucial point thanks to Dimitrios Diamantakos' second-half equaliser.
FC Goa players pause play during ACL 2 match against FC Istiklol to highlight ISL's uncertainty
FC Goa players, including India captain Sandesh Jhingan, and support staff have accepted pay cut for the truncated ISL season starting on February 14.
With Fatorda buzzing and continental football back where it belongs, the Gaurs will hope to make a statement and prove they belong among Asia's elite.
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.
Lots to look forward to in Indian sports as packed 2026 calender awaits
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo may be missing from action, but that will hardly make things easier for FC Goa, who face an uphill task against Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr in their third Group A fixture of the AFC Champions League Two, in Margao, on Wednesday.
'We've crammed in weeks of what you'd normally do into five days, so you know, we have asked a lot, but the first half was a long way short from where we want to be physically.'
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