News for 'AFC'

AIFF Justifies Women's Team Coach Choice, Explains Kit Issues

AIFF Justifies Women's Team Coach Choice, Explains Kit Issues

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

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.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das played a pivotal role in organising the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.

India U20 face Pakistan in crucial SAFF Championship match

India U20 face Pakistan in crucial SAFF Championship match

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

India U20 team prepares to face Pakistan in their opening match of the SAFF U20 Championship, aiming for a strong start and a place in the semifinals.

AIFF and Dream Sports Foundation Join Forces to Develop Youth Football in India

AIFF and Dream Sports Foundation Join Forces to Develop Youth Football in India

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a multi-year partnership with Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) to strengthen U16 football in India, focusing on grassroots development and a cohesive pathway for young players.

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

Late Substitutes Spark India U-17 Women's Football Team's Victory Over Myanmar

Late Substitutes Spark India U-17 Women's Football Team's Victory Over Myanmar

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Indian U-17 women's football team defeated Myanmar 3-2 in a friendly match, with substitutes playing a key role in the late comeback victory.

Heartbreak for India in AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Heartbreak for India in AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

India narrowly missed out on qualifying for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup despite a dominant 6-0 victory over Brunei Darussalam.

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Five members of the Iranian women's football team, who initially sought asylum in Australia, have withdrawn their claims and are returning to Iran.

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passes Away at 66

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Kushal Das, former AIFF general secretary, passed away at 66. He played a key role in developing Indian football, including organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Asian Champions League matches postponed due to Middle East conflict

Asian Champions League matches postponed due to Middle East conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed several Asian Champions League Elite and Two matches scheduled to be played in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Iran refuses to play FIFA World Cup in US; wants games moved to Mexico

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said.

India Women's Football Team Aim for Quarter-Finals in Decisive Match Against Chinese Taipei

India Women's Football Team Aim for Quarter-Finals in Decisive Match Against Chinese Taipei

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

India women's football team face Chinese Taipei in a crucial AFC Women's Asian Cup match, needing a victory to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.

AIFF Women's Committee Head Alemao Alleges Harassment By President Chaubey

AIFF Women's Committee Head Alemao Alleges Harassment By President Chaubey

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

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.

AFC CL: FC Goa floored at home by Iraqi giants Al Zawraa

AFC CL: FC Goa floored at home by Iraqi giants Al Zawraa

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The match simmered, waiting for a spark, until Al Zawraa found it on the cusp of half-time. Hassan Abdulkareem's clever ball found Kadhim Raad, who cut back for Reziq Banihani. A messy deflection, a ricochet off Nim Dorjee Tamang, and the ball nestled cruelly into Goa's net.

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

'Iran has told us that they are going to FIFA World Cup': Asian Football Confederation

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Asian Football Confederation said on Monday it has not received any notification from Iran that it will withdraw its national football team from the FIFA World Cup.

Ryan Williams scores on debut as India beat Hong Kong in Asian Cup qualifier

Ryan Williams scores on debut as India beat Hong Kong in Asian Cup qualifier

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Ryan Williams scored on his India debut as the team defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in an Asian Cup qualifying match. Akash Mishra added another goal for India, while Everton Camargo scored for Hong Kong.

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Iran drop star striker Azmoun before World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the squad for World Cup warm-ups amid reports of expulsion over alleged disloyalty, sparking controversy.

Pamela Conti named new head coach of Indian U-17 women's team

Pamela Conti named new head coach of Indian U-17 women's team

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Former Italy international Pamela Conti was on Sunday named head coach of the Indian women's U-17 team to take charge of the country's AFC Asian Cup campaign later this year, second such appointment of a national side this month made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Kiran Pisda: From National Team Full-Back To Goalkeeper At Khelo India Tribal Games

Kiran Pisda: From National Team Full-Back To Goalkeeper At Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Kiran Pisda, an Indian footballer with international experience, showcased her versatility by playing as a goalkeeper for Chhattisgarh in the Khelo India Tribal Games.

Pep Munoz to Lead Bengaluru FC Until 2027

Pep Munoz to Lead Bengaluru FC Until 2027

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

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.

Ryan Williams Describes 'Blurry' Moment After Scoring on India Debut

Ryan Williams Describes 'Blurry' Moment After Scoring on India Debut

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Australian-born striker Ryan Williams describes his emotions after scoring on his India debut in an Asian Cup qualifying match against Hong Kong.

Premier League: Liverpool end losing run; Arsenal get title jolt

Premier League: Liverpool end losing run; Arsenal get title jolt

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

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.

PIX: Maguire sees red, costs United as Bournemouth snatch draw

PIX: Maguire sees red, costs United as Bournemouth snatch draw

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Harry Maguire's red card proves costly as Manchester United are held 2-2 by Bournemouth, who equalise late from the penalty spot.

ISL Crisis: FC Goa Players Stage On-Field Protest!

ISL Crisis: FC Goa Players Stage On-Field Protest!

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

FC Goa players pause play during ACL 2 match against FC Istiklol to highlight ISL's uncertainty

Man United beat Chelsea, Wolves on brink of relegation

Man United beat Chelsea, Wolves on brink of relegation

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Matheus Cunha struck just before half-time to earn Manchester United a 1-0 victory at luckless Chelsea on Saturday, taking them a big step closer to Champions League football next season.

Sports Ministry backs AIFF bid to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

Sports Ministry backs AIFF bid to host 2031 AFC Asian Cup

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

'The AIFF is happy to have the government's strong support in our bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031. The Asian Cup is the biggest football tournament in Asia and it is important for India as a nation to showcase what we have, not just to Asia but to the rest of the world.'

AIFF Alleges Pressure from Executive Member to Include Churchill Brothers in ISL

AIFF Alleges Pressure from Executive Member to Include Churchill Brothers in ISL

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

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.

Ryan Williams Debut Goal Leads India to Victory Over Hong Kong

Ryan Williams Debut Goal Leads India to Victory Over Hong Kong

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Ryan Williams scored on his India debut as the home side defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in an Asian Cup qualifying match. Akash Mishra added another goal for India, while Everton Camargo scored for Hong Kong.

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Iraq's participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico that will decide two berths at this year's FIFA World Cup is in doubt because of the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.

India's women still dream of FIFA World Cup

India's women still dream of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Ashalata -- who has earned over 100 international caps and captained the national side on multiple occasions -- said the (senior) team has made steady progress but is still short of world-class standards.

FC Goa stun Al Seeb to book spot in AFC CL 2

FC Goa stun Al Seeb to book spot in AFC CL 2

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

FC Goa join fellow ISL team Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the continental tournament's group stage. The Mariners had secured a direct berth by clinching the 2024-25 Indian Super League Shield.

AFC Qualifier: Wasteful India suffer shock defeat

AFC Qualifier: Wasteful India suffer shock defeat

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

India go down 0-1 to Hong Kong in crucial 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier match

Genius Sports Bids High for ISL Commercial Rights

Genius Sports Bids High for ISL Commercial Rights

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

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.

SAFF Cup: India crush Bhutan, eye title vs Bangladesh

SAFF Cup: India crush Bhutan, eye title vs Bangladesh

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Indian Under-17 women's team crushed Bhutan 8-0 in its last round-robin fixture of the SAFF Under-19 Women's Championship to set up a summit showdown with Bangladesh at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium

India U-17 Women Thrash Bangladesh To Win SAFF U-19 Football Title

India U-17 Women Thrash Bangladesh To Win SAFF U-19 Football Title

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

India's U-17 women's team secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Bangladesh in the final, avenging an earlier defeat.

AFC Challenge League: Arkadag edge East Bengal in Kolkata

AFC Challenge League: Arkadag edge East Bengal in Kolkata

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

East Bengal suffered a 0-1 defeat against FC Arkadag of Turkmenistan in the first leg of their AFC Challenge League quarterfinal.

AIFF charts 21-year roadmap for ISL, I-League

AIFF charts 21-year roadmap for ISL, I-League

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

As per a proposal by stakeholders, the 22-member governing council is likely to be headed by either the president of the AIFF, and it will be the highest supervisor body for the ISL.

SAFF U-19 Football Championship: India U-17 women lose to Bangladesh

SAFF U-19 Football Championship: India U-17 women lose to Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The India Under-17 women's national team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Bangladesh in the SAFF Under-19 Women's Football Championship 2026.

India qualify for AFC U20 Women's Cup after 20-years

India qualify for AFC U20 Women's Cup after 20-years

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

India qualified for the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup football for the first time in two decades after edging past Myanmar 1-0 in their final Group D qualifying match in Yangon, Myanmar

India captain Sandesh Jhingan's big sacrifice to save ISL

India captain Sandesh Jhingan's big sacrifice to save ISL

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

FC Goa players, including India captain Sandesh Jhingan, and support staff have accepted pay cut for the truncated ISL season starting on February 14.