News for 'Football Association'

AIFF finally sets date for much-awaited elections

AIFF finally sets date for much-awaited elections

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that its much-anticipated elections will take place on December 20. This decision, made at a Special General Body Meeting attended by FIFA and AFC officials, aims to resolve governance uncertainties and elect new office-bearers at a critical time for Indian football. Rajeev Sharma has been appointed as the electoral officer.

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.

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.

Ganguly breaks silence on Delhi Capitals role, conflict of interest

Ganguly breaks silence on Delhi Capitals role, conflict of interest

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Sourav Ganguly has confirmed his new role as head coach for Delhi Capitals for the 2027 IPL season, replacing Hemang Badani. He addressed potential conflict of interest concerns regarding his concurrent presidency of the Cricket Association of Bengal, citing a BCCI ombudsman order. Ganguly also commented on India's football performance and congratulated PM Narendra Modi.

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

FIFA advisor quits, calls World Cup stake sale 'bad deal for football'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has resigned with immediate effect, protesting a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, which he labelled 'a bad deal for football'.

Prince William, Kate launch sports-led campaign to break silence around suicide

Prince William, Kate launch sports-led campaign to break silence around suicide

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Prince William and Kate have launched a sports-led suicide prevention initiative, urging organisations across Britain to foster open conversations, recognise warning signs and make support accessible.

AIFF Imposes Player Registration Ban On Churchill Brothers

AIFF Imposes Player Registration Ban On Churchill Brothers

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has imposed a national ban on Churchill Brothers FC Goa for player registration, following a directive from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee due to unpaid dues to English forward Kurtis Owen Guthrie. The Goan club, however, claims the matter has been resolved with full payment made and a request sent to FIFA to lift the ban.

'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.

Blue Tigers To Face World Cup Nation Panama In Bengaluru

Blue Tigers To Face World Cup Nation Panama In Bengaluru

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Indian senior men's football team will play an international friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match against a FIFA World Cup-playing nation will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers, marking their return to Bengaluru after their SAFF Championship 2023 victory.

8 Weird Football Terms

8 Weird Football Terms

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

As the sport's popularity spread across the world, it developed its own colourful language/expressions. From clever slang to bizarre nicknames, the game's changing culture has thrown up some rather unusual turn of phrase. Here are 8 of the strangest football terms ever used.

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

FIFA clarifies 'no sale of football' amid UEFA boycott threats over investment plans

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

FIFA has issued a clarification regarding its FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, stating it would 'never entertain' selling football to private parties and aims to ensure meaningful commercial ownership for all member nations, following strong criticism and boycott threats from UEFA and CONCACAF.

'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.

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.

#TigerShroff Shooting: 'No Threat Will Be Tolerated'

#TigerShroff Shooting: 'No Threat Will Be Tolerated'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'These attempts to intimidate people will not be tolerated, and we will put an end to this hooliganism.'

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.

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC players, including senior India footballers, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw the club from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the senior team, citing the impact on young players and the future of Indian football.

Top Indian Athletes Join IOA Electoral College For Athletes Commission Polls

Top Indian Athletes Join IOA Electoral College For Athletes Commission Polls

Rediff.com4 days ago

Top Indian athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Neeru Dhanda, and Harmanpreet Singh have been nominated by their respective National Sports Federations to the electoral college for the Indian Olympic Association's Athletes Commission polls on November 3. The article details the nomination process, eligibility criteria, and the composition of the new Athletes Commission, noting the absence of some federations and the exclusion of outgoing members like Mary Kom.

Belgium entrust Mark van Bommel with Nations League, Euro 2028 mission

Belgium entrust Mark van Bommel with Nations League, Euro 2028 mission

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Belgium have appointed former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a two-year contract running until the 2028 European Championship.

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'

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.

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Australia's players union has joined global criticism of FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup and other events, citing a lack of transparency and pressure on member associations to approve the $20 billion plan.

Feyenoord fans' fireworks injure Cambuur supporters, prompt investigation

Feyenoord fans' fireworks injure Cambuur supporters, prompt investigation

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Five SC Cambuur fans suffered burns, hearing damage, and eye injuries after visiting Feyenoord supporters threw fireworks during a Dutch league match, leading to a halted game and a promised investigation.

President Murmu Highlights Durand Cup's Role In Nurturing Indian Football Talent

President Murmu Highlights Durand Cup's Role In Nurturing Indian Football Talent

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup 2026 trophy, marking the start of preparations for Asia's oldest football tournament. She highlighted the tournament's role in nurturing talent, promoting sportsmanship, and connecting people, while also drawing parallels to India's vision of becoming a developed nation.

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.

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.

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.

AIFF Seeks Ministry, FIFA Nod For Name Change To FFB

AIFF Seeks Ministry, FIFA Nod For Name Change To FFB

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed changing its name to the Football Federation of Bharat (FFB). This significant proposal, accepted during a Special General Body Meeting, now awaits crucial approvals from the sports ministry and FIFA.

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa has strongly criticised FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, calling the lack of consultation "totally unacceptable". He stated that FIFA's unilateral actions undermine continental football and urged member federations to await further discussions before approving the $20 billion proposal.

Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike, signs with Swiss sportswear On

Kylian Mbappe leaves Nike, signs with Swiss sportswear On

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

French football superstar Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing partnership with Nike to join the rapidly expanding Swiss sportswear brand On, a move that provides On with a high-profile figure for its entry into football and marks another significant defection for the US giant.

German Footballers Step Up To Cover Fan Travel Costs

German Footballers Step Up To Cover Fan Travel Costs

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

German national team players are reportedly funding bus transport for 600 fans to their final World Cup Group E game against Ecuador in New Jersey, addressing concerns over significantly increased public transport costs during the tournament.

Mamata faction reveals new symbol for upcoming bypolls

Mamata faction reveals new symbol for upcoming bypolls

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has unveiled a new logo featuring a football player as its interim election symbol. This move comes after the Election Commission froze the party's original name and symbol due to an internal dispute. The new symbol, along with the name 'Mamata All India Trinamool Congress', will be used in the upcoming October 6 bypolls, with the faction actively publicising it to familiarise voters.

FIFA World Cup: 'No more business as usual': Germany vow changes

FIFA World Cup: 'No more business as usual': Germany vow changes

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Germany's national football team has been eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 32, marking their third consecutive early exit from the tournament. The German Football Association (DFB) has announced that changes will be made, with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf stating they will examine the reasons for the team's underperformance. The future of coach Julian Nagelsmann, who wishes to stay, is now uncertain.

Coach Nagelsmann quits after Germany ouster from FIFA WC

Coach Nagelsmann quits after Germany ouster from FIFA WC

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The decision was made following Germany's World Cup exit in the Round of 32 following their loss to Paraguay.

'The King is back': Salah resumes training after injury scare

'The King is back': Salah resumes training after injury scare

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Mo Salah allayed fears of Egypt supporters, giving glimpses of his fitness with photos of his training session on Tuesday.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Emami Group Concludes Investment In East Bengal FC, Shifts To Sponsorship Role

Emami Group Concludes Investment In East Bengal FC, Shifts To Sponsorship Role

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Emami Group has officially concluded its role as an investor and manager in East Bengal Football Club, transferring all shares and voting rights back to the club. The group will, however, continue its association with East Bengal FC as a sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to Indian football. This transition follows a successful period for the club under Emami's ownership, marked by significant victories for both men's and women's teams.

Spot-fixing not widespread in England: Football Association

Spot-fixing not widespread in England: Football Association

Rediff.com11 Dec 2013

English football's governing body has insisted match-fixing was not widespread. The comments from the Football Association came as chiefs from major sports held talks with the government on tackling the problem together.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

World Cup Shock: Belgium Furious as FIFA Rejects Appeal

World Cup Shock: Belgium Furious as FIFA Rejects Appeal

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

FIFA has rejected a request from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) for a copy of the decision that made U.S. striker Folarin Balogun eligible for a World Cup match, treating Belgium's inquiry as an inadmissible appeal. This decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump's personal intervention with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red-card ban.