News for 'Football Association'

FIFA World Cup: Belgium players troll Trump after crushing USA

FIFA World Cup: Belgium players troll Trump after crushing USA

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Belgium players celebrated their 4-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over hosts United States with a dance inspired by US President Donald Trump. Romelu Lukaku and teammates performed the viral dance after Lukaku's stoppage-time goal sealed their quarter-final spot. The US Men's National Team thanked supporters after their elimination, while Belgium, led by Charles De Ketelaere's brace, will face Spain next.

AIFF Executive Committee Reviews Bids for Commercial Rights, Considers Sports Governance Act

AIFF Executive Committee Reviews Bids for Commercial Rights, Considers Sports Governance Act

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is evaluating commercial rights bids for its flagship competitions, including the Indian Super League and the Indian Women's League. The Executive Committee is also discussing the implementation of the National Sports Governance Act.

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.

Football Feud Turns Violent: Kerala Police Probe Attempted Murder After Car Ramming

Football Feud Turns Violent: Kerala Police Probe Attempted Murder After Car Ramming

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Police in Kerala are investigating an alleged attempted murder following a dispute during a football match. A gang is accused of ramming a car carrying three young men, leading to serious injuries.

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.

Petkovic Reflects On Algeria's World Cup Exit

Petkovic Reflects On Algeria's World Cup Exit

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Algeria's coach Vladimir Petkovic attributed his team's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland and subsequent World Cup exit to costly defensive errors. He acknowledged the higher level of competition at the tournament and praised his team's overall performance, considering their return to the World Cup after 12 years and reaching the group stage a success despite the elimination.

FIFA Confident Of Iran's World Cup Participation After 'Positive Meeting'

FIFA Confident Of Iran's World Cup Participation After 'Positive Meeting'

Rediff.com17 May 2026

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed confidence in Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup after a meeting with Iran's FA President Mehdi Taj, despite concerns over visa issues and political tensions.

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran footballers faces cheers and jeers in their come-from-behind 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup final opener in Los Angeles on Monday.

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.

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.

Iran footballers pay tribute to schoolgirls killed in US-Israeli strikes

Iran footballers pay tribute to schoolgirls killed in US-Israeli strikes

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran's men's national soccer team wore black armbands and held schoolbags as their anthem played ahead of a match in Turkey on Friday, in what a team official said was a protest over the killing of schoolgirls on the first day of the Iran war.

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Canadian League Sees First Goal Under 'Daylight' Off-side Rule

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A goal scored under soccer's experimental 'daylight' offside rule was allowed for the first time in a professional match in the Canadian Premier League.

Volpato makes late switch from Italy to Australia ahead of FIFA World Cup

Volpato makes late switch from Italy to Australia ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Former Italy under-20 international Cristian Volpato has decided to represent Australia and will join the Socceroos' training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup, Football Australia said on Friday.

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

The business behind the three-minute water breaks during FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

How Adidas Is Winning The World Cup Brand War Against Nike

How Adidas Is Winning The World Cup Brand War Against Nike

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Early data from the World Cup indicates that sportswear giant Adidas is currently gaining a significant advantage over rival Nike in brand visibility and sales. Adidas, an official sponsor, is seeing a substantial surge in apparel spending and foot traffic, particularly driven by jersey sales. While Nike's business is also growing, it is being outpaced by Adidas, which appears to have a more resonant product offering. Nike, facing declining market share and intense competition, is relying on the World Cup for a boost, though its footwear presence remains strong.

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trump administration said on Tuesday the United States had denied Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to "suspected members of terror organizations".

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Historic Return: Cricket's LA28 Olympic Qualification System Approved

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has officially approved the qualification system for cricket at the LA Olympic 2028, marking the sport's return after 128 years. The event will feature men's and women's T20 competitions with six teams each.

The World Cup Is Here, But Where Are the Fans?

The World Cup Is Here, But Where Are the Fans?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

High costs, visa hurdles, and logistics for the World Cup are deterring fans, leading to a disappointing boost for US hotels, airlines, and the travel industry.

AIFF To Amend Constitution, Discuss ISL Partner At SGM

AIFF To Amend Constitution, Discuss ISL Partner At SGM

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will hold a Special General Body Meeting to amend its constitution in line with the National Sports Governance Act and discuss the new commercial partner for the Indian Super League.

Manchester United's Fernandes is EPL player of the season

Manchester United's Fernandes is EPL player of the season

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes also emerged as the Premier League's best playmaker this season when he created a league-high 132 chances.

Nora Fatehi drops FIFA World Cup anthem track

Nora Fatehi drops FIFA World Cup anthem track

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Canadian singer Nora Fatehi has released her latest international collaboration, "Siir Siir," which is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 music programme, marking another significant global milestone in her career. The track, featuring Vegedream, blends pop and R&B, celebrating her multicultural journey and expanding her international fan base.

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.

SRK Didn't Like Cricket': Lalit Modi Reveals How Shah Rukh Bought KKR

SRK Didn't Like Cricket': Lalit Modi Reveals How Shah Rukh Bought KKR

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Lalit Modi reveals how a hesitant Shah Rukh Khan was persuaded to buy Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, helping create one of the IPL's most iconic franchises.

Italian football rocked as referees chief suspends himself amid fraud probe

Italian football rocked as referees chief suspends himself amid fraud probe

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Gianluca Rocchi steps aside amid a Serie A fraud probe, with VAR official Andrea Gervasoni also under investigation, raising fears of another Calciopoli-style crisis.

FIFA says, will help Gaza rebuild football infrastructure

FIFA says, will help Gaza rebuild football infrastructure

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

'Football's role has to be to support, to unite, to give hope.'

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.

Why Mexicans Feel Left Out of Their Own World Cup After 40 Years

Why Mexicans Feel Left Out of Their Own World Cup After 40 Years

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Despite the World Cup returning to their country for the first time in four decades, many in Mexico said they feel excluded, priced out of stadiums, forced to pay for expensive TV subscriptions and constrained by strict licensing rules.

IOA, Sports Ministry Name Observers For Vinesh Phogat's Trial

IOA, Sports Ministry Name Observers For Vinesh Phogat's Trial

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Former footballer Aditi Chauhan and ex-hockey captain M M Somaiya will observe Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games trial, representing the IOA and Sports Ministry.

The rise of Kvaratskhelia: From little-known Georgian talent to PSG's elite weapon

The rise of Kvaratskhelia: From little-known Georgian talent to PSG's elite weapon

Rediff.com28 May 2026

As PSG prepare for another showdown, against Arsenal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, the Georgian has become one of the symbols of Luis Enrique's exhilarating side, adding improvisation and menace to a team already overflowing with attacking talent.

AIFF Begins Process to Form National Players' Association

AIFF Begins Process to Form National Players' Association

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The NPA office bearers will include a chairperson, treasurer and a secretary. A minimum of one office bearer in the NPA board shall be a woman, as per the AIFF Constitution.

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on a High

Ryan Williams Debut: India Look to End AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on a High

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India face Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, with Ryan Williams set to make his debut. Both teams aim to gain FIFA ranking points and build for the future.

IPL Franchises Race Towards $15 Billion Valuations

IPL Franchises Race Towards $15 Billion Valuations

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by the Shah Rukh Khan family and Mehta Group, emerged as the most valuable franchise.

Why Magnus Carlsen Remains A Sporting Icon In Norway

Why Magnus Carlsen Remains A Sporting Icon In Norway

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Magnus Carlsen's popularity remains undiminished in Norway, with many believing he is unbeatable on home turf, even as he hints at moving away from classical chess.

AIFF Alleges Pressure from Executive Member to Include Churchill Brothers in ISL

AIFF Alleges Pressure from Executive Member to Include Churchill Brothers in ISL

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accused its executive committee member Valanka Alemao and her family of pressuring the organisation to include Churchill Brothers FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) through unconventional means.

Assam To Host Indian Athletics Series In Nalbari

Assam To Host Indian Athletics Series In Nalbari

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The newly-built stadium at Sariahtali in Nalbari district of Assam will host the seventh leg of Indian Athletics Series on June 6.

SC not keen to monitor Indian football, to consult Justice Rao

SC not keen to monitor Indian football, to consult Justice Rao

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

'We have already said that our judgment is only in the interregnum till the Act comes into play. These small things could have been easily taken care of. Anyway, we will seek the views of Justice Rao and issue a clarification.'

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.

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.

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.