News for 'AFC'

AFC unveils Nations League to boost quality and revenues

AFC unveils Nations League to boost quality and revenues

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

"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."

IWL 2025-26 Set to Resume in Kolkata

IWL 2025-26 Set to Resume in Kolkata

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The second phase of the Indian Women's League 2025-26 is scheduled to begin in Kolkata on April 27, following a break for international competitions. East Bengal FC currently leads the league standings.

India U-17 Women's Team Gears Up for Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

India U-17 Women's Team Gears Up for Asian Cup with Russia Friendlies

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Indian Under-17 women's football team will play three friendly matches against Russia in Sochi from April 11 to 17 as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

India Women's Football Team Aims for Future Success in FIFA Series

India Women's Football Team Aims for Future Success in FIFA Series

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Indian women's football team is set to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, facing hosts Kenya in their opening match. Coach Crispin Chettri emphasises building for the future, focusing on the 2029 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2031 World Cup qualifiers.

India U-17 Women's Team Loses To Russia In Second Friendly Match

India U-17 Women's Team Loses To Russia In Second Friendly Match

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The India U-17 women's team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Russia in their second friendly match in Sochi, Russia, as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in China.

India U20 Women Face Chinese Taipei in Crucial Asian Cup Clash

India U20 Women Face Chinese Taipei in Crucial Asian Cup Clash

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's team must defeat Chinese Taipei in their final Group C match to keep their hopes alive of reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup.

India U20 Women Aim to Build on First Half Performance Against Australia

India U20 Women Aim to Build on First Half Performance Against Australia

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

India's U20 women's team is set to face Australia in their second Group C match of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, aiming to improve upon their first-half performance against Japan. Coach Joakim Alexandersson emphasises mindset and bravery as key factors for success.

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian U20 women's national football team is set to compete in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026, starting with a match against Japan. This marks India's return to the tournament after two decades, with the team aiming for World Cup qualification.

Bengaluru FC rope in Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development

Bengaluru FC rope in Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Bengaluru FC appoint former India coach Savio Medeira as Head of Youth Development, aiming to strengthen its grassroots pathway and nurture local talent.

Why Indian Football Team Was Barred From Press Conference Venue

Why Indian Football Team Was Barred From Press Conference Venue

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian men's senior football team and their head coach were denied entry to a press conference at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi due to a payment dispute between the Kerala Football Association and the stadium owners.

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong after FIFA cleared his change of association.

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has joined the Indian senior men's team camp in Kochi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, pending FIFA clearance.

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided not to renew the contract of women's team head coach Amelia Valverde, opting to consider Indian coaches for the role following recommendations from its technical committee.

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.

Bengaluru FC Appoints Savio Medeira to Lead Youth Development

Bengaluru FC Appoints Savio Medeira to Lead Youth Development

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

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.

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End Asian Cup Qualifying Campaign on a High Note

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End Asian Cup Qualifying Campaign on a High Note

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India will face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match, with Australian-born winger Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for future assignments.

How Joya's Last-Minute Goal Led India U-17 Women to Victory

How Joya's Last-Minute Goal Led India U-17 Women to Victory

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Joya, a 14-year-old striker, scored a dramatic late goal to secure a 3-2 victory for the India U-17 Women's team against Myanmar in a friendly match, as part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The AIFF defends its preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup despite India's group-stage exit, citing extensive overseas exposure and matches. An inquiry has been ordered into a kit controversy.

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.

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.

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.

Pritika Barman's Double Helps India U-17 Women Beat Myanmar

Pritika Barman's Double Helps India U-17 Women Beat Myanmar

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Indian U17 women's team defeated Myanmar 2-0 in an international friendly match, with Pritika Barman scoring both goals. The match is part of India's preparation for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FC Goa fined for breaching AFC disciplinary code

FC Goa fined for breaching AFC disciplinary code

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

FC Goa next host Saudi club Al-Nassr that features Cristiano Ronaldo in their ACL Two match on October 22.

'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.

India colts stun fancied Iran, seal AFC Asian Cup spot

India colts stun fancied Iran, seal AFC Asian Cup spot

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

India colts staged a remarkable comeback to stun overwhelming favourites Iran 2-1 in their last Group D qualifying game and seal a place in the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

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.

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.