News for 'FIFA'

FIFA commercial plan: Infantino's apology fails to satisfy critics demanding reform

FIFA commercial plan: Infantino's apology fails to satisfy critics demanding reform

Rediff.com1 days ago

Gianni Infantino faces mounting scrutiny after apologising over the abandoned FIFA commercialisation proposal, with England and Germany demanding transparency and reform while African officials continue backing his leadership.

FIFA slams UEFA's 'misinformation campaign' over investment proposal, alleges election interference

FIFA slams UEFA's 'misinformation campaign' over investment proposal, alleges election interference

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

FIFA has accused UEFA of waging a 'misinformation campaign' and attempting to influence its upcoming presidential election, urging a US court to reject a discovery request related to a controversial, now-abandoned investment proposal for World Cup commercial rights.

'The emperor is naked': UEFA's Ceferin takes aim at FIFA boss Infantino

'The emperor is naked': UEFA's Ceferin takes aim at FIFA boss Infantino

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin launched a scathing attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, likening his abandoned plan to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial rights to Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Emperor's New Clothes', accusing Infantino of using 'convenient words' to mask uncomfortable realities.

Infantino's reform pledge fails to satisfy federations seeking sweeping FIFA overhaul

Infantino's reform pledge fails to satisfy federations seeking sweeping FIFA overhaul

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Wales have questioned Infantino's reform pledge, arguing that FIFA needs deeper governance changes, stronger accountability and broader leadership reforms to restore trust.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Proposes Independent Governance Review To Regain Support

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Proposes Independent Governance Review To Regain Support

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent review of the world football body's decision-making framework.

Two-time world champions Uruguay land in Kolkata for FIFA friendly against India

Two-time world champions Uruguay land in Kolkata for FIFA friendly against India

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Two-time world champions Uruguay have arrived in Kolkata for their FIFA International Friendly against India on October 6, setting the stage for a week of exciting international football that also features a match between India and five-time world champions Brazil.

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

UEFA Seeks Evidence Against FIFA President Infantino In Swiss Case

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

UEFA is seeking evidence in a US court for a potential Swiss criminal case against FIFA President Gianni Infantino concerning his abandoned World Cup commercial-rights plan.

French FA withdraws support for Infantino's FIFA re-election bid

French FA withdraws support for Infantino's FIFA re-election bid

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The French Football Federation has announced it is withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election as FIFA president, following widespread criticism over his abandoned proposal to sell a stake in FIFA competitions.

FIFA friendly: India secure impressive draw against 44th ranked Panama

FIFA friendly: India secure impressive draw against 44th ranked Panama

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Indian football team, ranked 138th, achieved a commendable 1-1 draw against world No. 44 Panama in a FIFA International friendly. Ryan Williams scored for India, while Omar Valencia equalised for Panama. This result is considered a significant achievement under coach Khalid Jamil and provides a morale boost ahead of upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.

UEFA 'On Course' to Find Challenger to FIFA President Infantino

UEFA 'On Course' to Find Challenger to FIFA President Infantino

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister stated that UEFA is actively seeking a credible challenger to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the upcoming March election, emphasising the need for a candidate capable of uniting football's confederations and delivering lasting governance reform, rather than merely installing a European figurehead.

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms re-election bid amidst controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms re-election bid amidst controversy

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is committed to seeking re-election in March next year, despite facing renewed opposition following a controversial plan to sell a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors.

Former France Star Vikash Dhorasoo Believes India Can Reach FIFA World Cup

Former France Star Vikash Dhorasoo Believes India Can Reach FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Vikash Dhorasoo, the first Indian-origin player in a FIFA World Cup, expresses strong belief in India's potential to reach football's biggest stage. Visiting India for a friendly match against Brazil, Dhorasoo highlights the importance of method, clear objectives, and leveraging players of Indian origin to elevate the national team's level. He also offers his coaching expertise to help develop young talent in India.

Infantino on course to survive FIFA vote as opponents explore new battle plan

Infantino on course to survive FIFA vote as opponents explore new battle plan

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Infantino appears to have enough global support to secure re-election, forcing opponents without a credible challenger to consider shifting from defeating him to curbing presidential powers.

India Drawn In Group K For Inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup In Azerbaijan

India Drawn In Group K For Inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup In Azerbaijan

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

India's U15 men's football team has been drawn into Group K for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026. Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the team will play five qualification matches in Baku against Bahrain, Cameroon, Grenada, Laos, and Senegal, starting October 24. The tournament features 191 national teams and an 8v8 format.

Kushner defends FIFA's $20 billion gamble, but concedes political miscalculation

Kushner defends FIFA's $20 billion gamble, but concedes political miscalculation

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Josh Kushner said Thrive Capital misjudged football's political dynamics, would have avoided FIFA's failed $20 billion rights plan, but still supports its aim of broader investment.

Paredes speaks out after FIFA hands him 10-match ban

Paredes speaks out after FIFA hands him 10-match ban

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has labelled his 10-match ban, imposed by FIFA following an altercation with Spanish players after the World Cup final, as 'excessive' and believes it can be reduced upon appeal.

2030 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs as Morocco, Spain fight for hosting rights

2030 FIFA World Cup final up for grabs as Morocco, Spain fight for hosting rights

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Morocco and Spain are locked in a high-stakes contest to host the 2030 World Cup final, with FIFA yet to officially decide the venue for football's showpiece.

FIFA President Infantino To Attend U-20 Women's World Cup Opener In Katowice

FIFA President Infantino To Attend U-20 Women's World Cup Opener In Katowice

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to attend the opening match of the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Katowice, marking his first public appearance at a FIFA-organised tournament since his controversial $20 billion proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned in July due to widespread backlash.

Denmark Loses Confidence in Infantino, Seeks New FIFA President

Denmark Loses Confidence in Infantino, Seeks New FIFA President

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Denmark's football association (DBU) has declared it has lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and will seek a credible alternative for the 2027 election, citing a 'fundamental crisis of confidence' over his aborted proposal to sell commercial stakes in FIFA tournaments.

'There is no way out': Infantino faces FIFA revolt

'There is no way out': Infantino faces FIFA revolt

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Regional football powerhouses, including UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, are reportedly discussing a vote of no confidence against FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This move comes after Infantino angered them with a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. Despite significant opposition, Infantino retains support from some member associations, particularly from Africa, complicating any challenge to his leadership ahead of the 2027 election.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

Explained: How No-Confidence Vote Could Oust FIFA President Infantino?

Explained: How No-Confidence Vote Could Oust FIFA President Infantino?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

This article details the process and requirements for a vote of no confidence against the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, following challenges to his leadership.

'FIFA President Gianni Infantino Must Resign Now'

'FIFA President Gianni Infantino Must Resign Now'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) President Lise Klaveness has called for the immediate resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating he 'does not have the institutional trust required to govern FIFA stably' and that 'there is no going back for Gianni Infantino'.

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Trump: Replacing Infantino as FIFA President would be 'terrible mistake'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that replacing him would be a 'terrible mistake' and that the sport would 'never be as successful or profitable' without him, despite Infantino facing significant backlash and a battle to retain his position ahead of next year's presidential elections.

India snub FIFA ASEAN Cup to face Brazil in October

India snub FIFA ASEAN Cup to face Brazil in October

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India has withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in October. This decision, confirmed by AIFF, means India will miss facing Southeast Asian teams in a FIFA-sanctioned competition, opting instead for a more challenging opponent to improve its international standing.

Did FIFA bow to pressure? Prince Ali thinks so

Did FIFA bow to pressure? Prince Ali thinks so

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Prince Ali bin Hussein, President of the Jordan Football Association, revealed that FIFA paid outstanding prize money to Jordan's national team after he accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of blackmail. Prince Ali had alleged FIFA withheld funds for reaching the 2025 Arab Cup final, linking payment to his endorsement of Infantino. Despite receiving the funds, Prince Ali reiterated his refusal to endorse or vote for Infantino, highlighting ongoing concerns about FIFA's leadership and its presidential elections.

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Key Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support For FIFA President Infantino

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Six Arab football federations, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, have publicly declared their "full support" and "confidence" in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This backing comes as Infantino faces significant backlash and withdrawals of support from European and Oceania federations over his failed $20 billion private investment plan for the World Cup, highlighting a growing schism within global football governance.

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.

India Set For Tough Test Against Panama In FIFA Friendly

India Set For Tough Test Against Panama In FIFA Friendly

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

India's national football team will host Panama in an international friendly on September 26, marking their first encounter. This match is part of a series of fixtures against 2026 World Cup participants, including Brazil and New Zealand, aimed at providing valuable exposure for the Blue Tigers.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and Nahuel Molina a seven-game ban from FIFA for their involvement in a brawl after the World Cup final against Spain, with both players also fined $90,000 each. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a $321,000 fine for multiple disciplinary breaches, including a controversial banner display and team misconduct.

Jordan FA President alleges FIFA offered help for Infantino endorsement

Jordan FA President alleges FIFA offered help for Infantino endorsement

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Jordan Football Association President Ali bin Hussein has publicly accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of 'blackmail', alleging that FIFA offered to resolve the kingdom's football problems in exchange for his endorsement, a claim FIFA has been contacted about for comment.

Mexico, Argentina back Infantino amid FIFA World Cup rights row

Mexico, Argentina back Infantino amid FIFA World Cup rights row

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Mexico and Argentina's football associations have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite a significant backlash over his abandoned proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, with other confederations and national bodies expressing strong opposition.

What India U-15 coach wants before World Cup

What India U-15 coach wants before World Cup

Rediff.com17 hours ago

India U-15 head coach Bibiano Fernandes shares his philosophy for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. He emphasises developing a strong footballing foundation, tactical flexibility, and good character among his young players, as they prepare to face teams like Laos, Bahrain, and Senegal starting October 24.

CONCACAF Rejects FIFA's World Cup Stake Sale Plan

CONCACAF Rejects FIFA's World Cup Stake Sale Plan

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

CONCACAF, the regional football bloc for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, has rejected FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, citing deep concerns over a lack of due process and transparency.

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday that the world soccer's governing body has abandoned its controversial plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, following widespread backlash from major confederations and internal dissent.

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan: Infantino's Ultimatum & Global Backlash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to commercialise its events and offer stakes to external investors, has drawn significant criticism from governing bodies like UEFA and CONCACAF, who accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency and attempting to 'sell the soul of football'.

FIFA labels report of Infantino seeking Trump's help 'pure fiction'

FIFA labels report of Infantino seeking Trump's help 'pure fiction'

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA has vehemently denied a report claiming President Gianni Infantino sought assistance from the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration following the collapse of a multi-billion dollar plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, calling the allegations 'pure fiction'.

FIFA President's Position 'Untenable' After World Cup Rights Sale Fails

FIFA President's Position 'Untenable' After World Cup Rights Sale Fails

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Gianni Infantino's position as FIFA president is deemed 'untenable' by the head of Europe's professional football leagues following his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights, a move that triggered widespread protest and a loss of confidence from regional confederations.