News for 'Argentine Football Association'

No Trophy This Time, Yet Argentina Returned as Heroes

No Trophy This Time, Yet Argentina Returned as Heroes

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Despite losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the Argentine national football team received a massive hero's welcome upon their return to Buenos Aires. Thousands of passionate fans gathered at Ezeiza International Airport to celebrate their team, demonstrating that their bond with the players transcends mere results and trophies.

FIFA opens proceedings against Argentina over Falklands message, post-final brawl

FIFA opens proceedings against Argentina over Falklands message, post-final brawl

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina's football association (AFA) and its players for several alleged breaches at the World Cup, including the holding up of a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologises for World Cup final brawl

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala apologises for World Cup final brawl

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has apologised for his altercation with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo following the chaotic World Cup final, an incident now under investigation by FIFA.

Messi sued over $7m deal after skipping Miami friendly

Messi sued over $7m deal after skipping Miami friendly

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Lionel Messi faces a lawsuit in Miami alleging breach of contract and fraud after missing an Argentina friendly central to a multimillion-dollar promotional deal.

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

It's Official! Kerala to host Messi-Led Argentina!

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The match will take place between November 10 and 18, and is likely to be played Kochi.

Atlanta Police enhance security for high-stakes England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final

Atlanta Police enhance security for high-stakes England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Atlanta Police Department has significantly increased security measures for the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, two nations with a historically fierce football rivalry, deploying additional personnel and resources across the city and stadium.

Messi pays tribute to Pope Francis

Messi pays tribute to Pope Francis

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday aged 88.

Messi's India return set to break records

Messi's India return set to break records

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi will return to India in October to play an exhibition match in Kerala.

Another Argentine fails dope test

Another Argentine fails dope test

Rediff.com4 Mar 2004

Gimnasia-La Plata midfielder Esteban Gonzalez became the second Argentine footballer to fail a doping test in as many days.

Coach Martino quits over Argentine FA leadership problems

Coach Martino quits over Argentine FA leadership problems

Rediff.com6 Jul 2016

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino resigned on Tuesday citing a leadership vacuum at the Argentine FA (AFA) and problems trying to pick an 18-man squad for the Olympic soccer tournament in Rio de Janeiro in August, the AFA said.

Argentina star banned for disrespectful acts

Argentina star banned for disrespectful acts

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez has been suspended for two matches by FIFA for "offensive behaviour", the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said in a statement on Friday.

Messi's Special Birthday Gift For Modi

Messi's Special Birthday Gift For Modi

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has sent his signed 2022 World Cup victorious jersey to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 75th birthday.

'Bird flu will not halt football World Cup'

'Bird flu will not halt football World Cup'

Rediff.com24 Feb 2006

The football World Cup will not be halted by fears of bird flu in Germany, FIFA vice-president Julio Grondona said.

'Simply, the best player in the history of football'

'Simply, the best player in the history of football'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2020

Reactions to the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi and Argentina to play in Kerala next year!

Lionel Messi and Argentina to play in Kerala next year!

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Kerala government announced on Wednesday that the Argentina national football team, led by legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international friendly match, which Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed as a tribute to state people's passion for soccer.

World Champs Messi And Co Return Home

World Champs Messi And Co Return Home

Rediff.com20 Dec 2022

Scenes from the champion team's homecoming...

SHOCKING! Messi & Co. given manual on how to seduce Russian women during WC

SHOCKING! Messi & Co. given manual on how to seduce Russian women during WC

Rediff.com17 May 2018

The head of the Argentine Football Association has apologised for the publication of a World Cup manual that included advice on how to woo Russian women.

UEFA to discuss with FIFA, IFAB rule that disallowed Alvarez penalty

UEFA to discuss with FIFA, IFAB rule that disallowed Alvarez penalty

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The UEFA said the correct decision was made to disallow Julian Alvarez's penalty in Atletico Madrid's Champions League loss to city rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday, but European soccer's governing body would enter discussions to review the rule.

Confirmed! Messi to visit India in December

Confirmed! Messi to visit India in December

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated visit to India has received its final seal of approval with the Argentine superstar set to kick off his three-city tour in Kolkata on December 12.

Diego Maradona asks for Hand of God to end pandemic

Diego Maradona asks for Hand of God to end pandemic

Rediff.com29 Apr 2020

Diego Maradona's club from relegation was dubbed another Hand of God moment on Tuesday, but the former striker said the divine intervention he wished for was to beat the coronavirus pandemic.

Maradona says his 'chapter' over as coach: report

Maradona says his 'chapter' over as coach: report

Rediff.com6 Jul 2010

Argentina coach Diego Maradona told a local newspaper on Monday his "chapter had ended," although the country's local football association and a close friend informed he had not resigned.

Maradona's future to be decided on Tuesday

Maradona's future to be decided on Tuesday

Rediff.com27 Jul 2010

Diego Maradona's future as coach of Argentina will be decided at a meeting of football association bosses on Tuesday, a spokesman for the organisation has said.

Find out why weekend football programmes in Argentina are suspended

Find out why weekend football programmes in Argentina are suspended

Rediff.com15 May 2015

The Libertadores Cup derby between Boca Juniors and River Plate was called off at halftime on Thursday after River players were sprayed with an irritant by a fan of their bitter rivals.

Argentina bosses betrayed me: Maradona

Argentina bosses betrayed me: Maradona

Rediff.com29 Jul 2010

Diego Maradona accused Argentine soccer chiefs of betraying him on Wednesday, a day after they voted unanimously to sack him as national team coach.

Argentina appeal decision to replay World Cup qualifier

Argentina appeal decision to replay World Cup qualifier

Rediff.com23 Apr 2022

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will appeal what it says is FIFA's decision to force Brazil and Argentina to replay their World Cup qualifier, which was cancelled after five minutes due to a breach of COVID-19 quarantine rules.

Batista officially named Argentina coach

Batista officially named Argentina coach

Rediff.com3 Nov 2010

Olympic gold medal-winning coach Sergio Batista was confirmed as expected on Tuesday to succeed Diego Maradona as Argentina's coach until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Maradona given choice of venue for Brazil match

Maradona given choice of venue for Brazil match

Rediff.com21 Jul 2009

Argentine coach Diego Maradona was granted the choice by soccer authorities on Monday to move September's World Cup qualifier against arch-rivals Brazil away from the River Plate stadium in Buenos Aires.

Soccer Extras: 'The Gay Footballer' deletes account; Messi banned

Soccer Extras: 'The Gay Footballer' deletes account; Messi banned

Rediff.com24 Jul 2019

News of all that's transpired on and off the football field

Why Messi and Co were forced to abandon bus parade

Why Messi and Co were forced to abandon bus parade

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

The team had arrived in the early hours of Tuesday at Ezeiza airport. Despite it being around 3am local time (0600 GMT), thousands were waiting with banners, flags and flares and howling with joy after Messi and his team mates ended the country's 36-year wait to win the World Cup.

Argentina lifts ban on away fans

Argentina lifts ban on away fans

Rediff.com22 Nov 2006

The ban was an initial attempt by the AFA to respond to the violence and intimidation which has plagued Argentine football this season.

Sabella confirmed as Argentina coach

Sabella confirmed as Argentina coach

Rediff.com2 Aug 2011

Alejandro Sabella has been confirmed as coach of Argentina until the 2014 World Cup finals after Sergio Batista had his contract rescinded following a disappointing Copa America.

Copa America failure costs Batista Argentina job

Copa America failure costs Batista Argentina job

Rediff.com26 Jul 2011

Argentina's failure to win the Copa America as hosts and end an 18-year wait for a major title cost coach Sergio Batista his job on Monday.

Maradona sacked as Argentina coach

Maradona sacked as Argentina coach

Rediff.com28 Jul 2010

Diego Maradona's contract as national team coach has not been renewed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo said

Maradona ponders his future as Argentina coach

Maradona ponders his future as Argentina coach

Rediff.com14 Jul 2010

Diego Maradona could decide his future on Wednesday when he is expected to meet Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Julio Grondona.

Maradona's insults made 'in violent emotions'

Maradona's insults made 'in violent emotions'

Rediff.com30 Oct 2009

Diego Maradona was "in a state of violent emotion" when he made lewd remarks at journalists after Argentina qualified for the World Cup finals, the Argentine Football Association's (AFA) lawyer said on Wednesday.

Defiant Maradona wants to keep coaching Argentina

Defiant Maradona wants to keep coaching Argentina

Rediff.com26 Jul 2010

Diego Maradona said he wants to continue coaching Argentina's national soccer team but only if he could keep absolute control over the choice of his assistants.

Veron gets another chance to shine in the twilight

Veron gets another chance to shine in the twilight

Rediff.com9 Jun 2010

Juan Sebastian Veron never looks back, only ahead, and way off in the distance is the presidency of his club Estudiantes de La Plata and even the Argentine Football Association.The immediate future, though, holds for him a World Cup comeback that once seemed impossible after he was vilified for Argentina's failure at the 2002 finals in Asia.

Messi scrape has Argentina worried

Messi scrape has Argentina worried

Rediff.com22 May 2010

Such is the focus on Lionel Messi in the countdown to the World Cup that even the slightest problem in training gets full blown local media coverage as with a scrape on Friday. The world's top player, practising with Diego Maradona's Argentina for the finals in South Africa that kick off on June 11, fell and suffered a minor scrape on his right leg at the team's training base outside Buenos Aires.

Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt up for auction 'not the one'

Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt up for auction 'not the one'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2022

Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020. He was 60 when he breathed his last.

Maradona to review Argentina role

Maradona to review Argentina role

Rediff.com8 Oct 2009

Diego Maradona, unhappy with interference in his job as Argentina coach, will review his position after their final World Cup qualifier away to Uruguay in Montevideo next week, he said on Tuesday.