News for 'AFC'

AFC rejects direct ACL 2 entry for ISL clubs this season

AFC rejects direct ACL 2 entry for ISL clubs this season

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

'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.'

ISL clubs now risk losing AFC slots!

ISL clubs now risk losing AFC slots!

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

AIFF waiting for AFC response over continental slots for ISL clubs in case of fewer matches

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Indian U17 Women One Win Away From World Cup Spot

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Indian U17 women's team is set to play China in the quarter-finals of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a spot in the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup at stake.

AIFF Unanimously Adopts Revised Constitution, Introduces Key Changes

AIFF Unanimously Adopts Revised Constitution, Introduces Key Changes

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has unanimously approved its revised Constitution, aligning with the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), 2025. This significant overhaul, decided at a virtual Special General Body Meeting, introduces a new election panel, mandates national anthems before matches, modifies foreign player rules in ISL, and updates the disciplinary code, aiming to enhance governance, transparency, and player development in Indian football.

September 4 Start Confirmed for ISL, But AIFF Defers League Structure Decision

September 4 Start Confirmed for ISL, But AIFF Defers League Structure Decision

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The AIFF has approved a September 4 start for the 2026-27 Indian Super League but deferred a final decision on the league's governance structure, with further discussions set to continue between the federation and ISL clubs.

AFC bans Mohun Bagan amid Indian football chaos

AFC bans Mohun Bagan amid Indian football chaos

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

At a time when Indian football is staring at unprecedented uncertainty with its domestic season in limbo, the Asian Football Confederation on Wednesday delivered a triple blow to the country's top club

India Out of AFC Women's Asian Cup After Loss to Chinese Taipei

India Out of AFC Women's Asian Cup After Loss to Chinese Taipei

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

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

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

India U-17 Football Team Eye World Cup Spot

Rediff.com9 May 2026

India's Under-17 men's team faces Uzbekistan in their final AFC U-17 Asian Cup group match, with a win potentially securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

India U17 Football Team Ready For Australia Challenge

Rediff.com5 May 2026

India's U17 football team is set to compete in the AFC U17 Asian Cup, starting with a challenging match against Australia. Coach Bibiano Fernandes emphasises the importance of staying organised and focused throughout the tournament.

How India's Young Tigresses Roared Into Asian Cup Quarters

How India's Young Tigresses Roared Into Asian Cup Quarters

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's U-17 women's team secured a historic 4-0 victory against Lebanon, propelling them into the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Pritika Barman scored twice, fulfilling her promise to open the scoring, while Alva Devi Senjam added another goal in the crucial win.

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."

Which ISL Clubs Received AIFF Licensing With Sanctions?

Which ISL Clubs Received AIFF Licensing With Sanctions?

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Seven Indian Super League clubs, including East Bengal, were granted the AIFF Club Licensing Premier 1 licence with sanctions for the 2026-27 season, while applications of several top-flight sides, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC, were rejected.

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

India's U-17 Women's Team Makes History At Asian Cup

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The India U-17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory over Lebanon. Pritika Barman scored twice, while Alva Devi Senjam and Joya added to the scoreline, securing India's place in the next round.

Defensive Errors Cost India In U-17 Asian Cup Loss

Defensive Errors Cost India In U-17 Asian Cup Loss

Rediff.com6 May 2026

India's Under-17 AFC Asian Cup campaign began with a 0-4 defeat to Australia, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and missed opportunities.

India U-17 Football Team To Face Qatar In Friendlies

India U-17 Football Team To Face Qatar In Friendlies

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Indian U17 men's football team is set to play two friendly matches against Qatar in Doha as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

India U17 Women Must Beat Lebanon To Advance

India U17 Women Must Beat Lebanon To Advance

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India U17 Women's team face Lebanon in a must-win game in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup, with a chance to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Expanded World Cup boosts India's qualification hopes: Bhutia

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia says FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup format significantly improves India's chances of qualification while creating new opportunities for emerging football nations across Asia and beyond.

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

India U17 Women's Team Loses To Australia In Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's U17 women's football team lost 0-2 to Australia in their opening match of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in Suzhou, China. Theodora Mouithys scored for Australia, and an own goal by Abhista Basnett sealed India's defeat.

India U17 Women's Team Loses Final Friendly To Russia

India U17 Women's Team Loses Final Friendly To Russia

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The India U17 women's team concluded their series of friendlies in Sochi with a third defeat to Russia, losing 3-0. This series was part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026.

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

India U17 Women Secure Historic Asian Cup Qualification

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's U17 women's team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals for the first time, following a dominant 4-0 victory against Lebanon. The team's progress was confirmed after other group results went their way. They will now face China in the quarter-finals.

UAE Rout India U-17 Football Team In Friendly

UAE Rout India U-17 Football Team In Friendly

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Indian U17 men's football team lost 1-5 to the United Arab Emirates in a friendly match in Thailand.

India U17 Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Australia

India U17 Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Australia

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup campaign began with a 0-2 defeat against Australia, marking their return to the competition after 21 years. Theodora Mouithys and an own goal secured the win for Australia.

India U17s Seek To Bounce Back Against Uzbekistan

India U17s Seek To Bounce Back Against Uzbekistan

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India U17 team will look to bounce back from their defeat against Australia as they face Uzbekistan in their final Group D match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 campaign.

India U-17 to Face UAE in Thailand Friendlies Ahead of Asian Cup

India U-17 to Face UAE in Thailand Friendlies Ahead of Asian Cup

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The India U-17 football team will play two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates U-17 side in Thailand this month as part of their preparations for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Young Tigresses' World Cup Dream Ends After China Defeat

Rediff.com11 May 2026

India's impressive run in the AFC Women's U17 Asian Cup concluded with a 3-0 defeat against China in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes for a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

India U-17 Women Boost Quarterfinal Hopes With Win

India U-17 Women Boost Quarterfinal Hopes With Win

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India's Under-17 Women's team secured a 4-0 victory against Lebanon in the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup, boosting their chances of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 21 years.

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Indian Super League moves to club-led model as September 4 kick-off confirmed

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed "in principle" to the club-led model of running the Indian Super League (ISL) for two years and has conveyed it to the sports minister, a top official said on Tuesday.

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

India Chosen For FIFA Women's Development Programme

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

FIFA has selected India as one of 12 countries for its Women's Development Programme, aimed at building sustainable models for women's football clubs and preparing them for the upcoming AFC club licensing system.

Al-Nassr Crush Al-Wasl 4-0 as Ronaldo Hits 969th Career Goal

Al-Nassr Crush Al-Wasl 4-0 as Ronaldo Hits 969th Career Goal

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 969th career goal as Al-Nassr thrash Al-Wasl 4-0 to reach the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals, moving closer to the 1000-goal milestone.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Oscar Bruzon inspires East Bengal to end their two-decade title drought

Oscar Bruzon inspires East Bengal to end their two-decade title drought

Rediff.com22 May 2026

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.

Mohun Bagan Deal Blow To India's Unity Cup Campaign

Mohun Bagan Deal Blow To India's Unity Cup Campaign

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant has withdrawn its players from the Indian football team's Unity Cup squad, citing concerns over injury compensation outside the FIFA international window, impacting India's preparations for the tournament.

Why Mohun Bagan Is Refusing To Release Players For Unity Cup

Why Mohun Bagan Is Refusing To Release Players For Unity Cup

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant has withdrawn its players from the Indian national team camp for the Unity Cup in London, citing concerns over injuries and lack of compensation from the AIFF outside the FIFA international window.

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act but deferred a decision on picking a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) during its Special General Body Meeting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.