News for 'Football Federation'

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention for the national team's head coach position after his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet drew significant criticism and opposition from Italian football officials and lawmakers.

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jamshedpur FC has announced its withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL) starting from the 2026-27 season, hours after missing a payment deadline. The club stated its commitment to promoting and developing football at the grassroots level in India. This comes amidst a new agreement between AIFF and ISL clubs for a club-led model of the league.

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Indian Football Team Receives Rousing Welcome In London

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Indian men's football team, participating in the Unity Cup in the UK, was warmly welcomed at India House in London ahead of their match against Zimbabwe. The team interacted with fans and shared insights during a reception hosted by the High Commission of India.

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The Indian men's football team will embark on its first-ever tour of New Zealand in November for two international friendlies. This historic visit, part of '100 Years of Unity Through Sport' initiatives, marks India's return to an Oceania Football Confederation nation after nearly two decades and offers a valuable challenge against a FIFA World Cup-experienced side.

Chhetri's Anguish: Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit A 'Punch In The Gut'

Chhetri's Anguish: Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit A 'Punch In The Gut'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has voiced his deep disappointment over Jamshedpur FC's decision to withdraw from the upcoming Indian Super League season. Describing the move as "a punch in the gut," Chhetri urged the Tata Group, owners of the club, to reconsider, highlighting their crucial role in Indian football development. The club's withdrawal, influenced by a new AIFF administrative fee, means the ISL will proceed with 13 teams.

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

Rediff.com2 days ago

All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

Rediff.com3 days ago

All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.

Iran blasts US after World Cup travel request denied

Iran blasts US after World Cup travel request denied

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Iran's Football Federation will lodge an official protest with FIFA after the United States reportedly denied the national team's request to travel to Los Angeles two days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Belgium, citing geopolitical tensions and previous visa issues.

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.

Tata Steel Explains Why Jamshedpur FC Pulled Out of the ISL

Tata Steel Explains Why Jamshedpur FC Pulled Out of the ISL

Rediff.com4 days ago

Jamshedpur FC's withdrawal from the Indian Super League was a pre-planned strategic decision to refocus on grassroots football development, independent of the league's commercial uncertainties, according to Tata Steel Vice President D B Sundara Raman.

Andrea Pirlo set for Italy job after Guardiola rejection

Andrea Pirlo set for Italy job after Guardiola rejection

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Andrea Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner and former Juventus manager, has reportedly been appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team on a four-year deal.

Indian football mourns passing of Gilbertson Sangma, known as 'Assam's Pele'

Indian football mourns passing of Gilbertson Sangma, known as 'Assam's Pele'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has expressed its condolences following the death of former India forward Gilbertson Sangma, who passed away at the age of 70.

Brazil to face India in historic friendly in Kolkata on October 3

Brazil to face India in historic friendly in Kolkata on October 3

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Almost five decades after Pele ignited Kolkata's romance with Brazilian football, the iconic yellow jersey is set to return to the City of Joy, with the record five-time World Cup champions Brazil scheduled to face India in a landmark international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Rediff.com4 days ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.

The Real Reasons India Can't Reach the FIFA World Cup

The Real Reasons India Can't Reach the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Despite a population of 1.45 billion, India's football team is ranked a lowly 138th in the world and failed to qualify for next year's Asian Cup, highlighting deep-rooted systemic issues and a failure to implement reforms that keep the World Cup dream distant for fans.

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

AFC And AIFF Hold Crucial Talks On ISL Future And Governance

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) met in New Delhi to discuss key issues including the Indian Super League (ISL), the AIFF's Constitution, and compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The AFC assured AIFF of continued support for Indian football.

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.

AIFF and Dream Sports Foundation Join Forces to Develop Youth Football in India

AIFF and Dream Sports Foundation Join Forces to Develop Youth Football in India

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a multi-year partnership with Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) to strengthen U16 football in India, focusing on grassroots development and a cohesive pathway for young players.

FIFA World Cup controversy? Senegal explains airport security video

FIFA World Cup controversy? Senegal explains airport security video

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Videos circulated online showed Senegal players being screened by airport security before travelling from Raleigh, North Carolina to San Antonio, Texas for a warm-up friendly against Saudi Arabia ahead of the tournament.

Iran fans denied FIFA World Cup tickets days before World Cup

Iran fans denied FIFA World Cup tickets days before World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Iran's football federation announced its World Cup ticket allocation has been revoked just days before the tournament, leaving many fans unable to attend.

Back as Italy boss, Mancini targets two trophies

Back as Italy boss, Mancini targets two trophies

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell as Italy coach, vowing to revive the Azzurri's fortunes after the nation missed the last three World Cups and failed to win a major trophy since Euro 2020 under his previous leadership.

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Why Bengal Is Removing Salt Lake Stadium Football Sculpture

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal government plans to remove the football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium, designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and upgrade the venue's infrastructure.

Iran thank Los Angeles with locker room note

Iran thank Los Angeles with locker room note

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality'

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.

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

Rediff.com7 days ago

UEFA and CONCACAF say they have lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body withdrew its controversial World Cup rights plan.

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.

FIFA To Hear Iran's Complaint Over US World Cup Travel Rules

FIFA To Hear Iran's Complaint Over US World Cup Travel Rules

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Iranian football team is facing significant travel restrictions in the US during the World Cup, requiring them to enter and leave within 24 hours of matches. This has led the Football Federation of Iran to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, citing concerns over fair play and technical preparation, while US authorities maintain the measures are for safety and security.

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

France coach Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Didier Deschamps is flying back to France to attend his mother's funeral and will not coach the team's last Group I game at the World Cup against Norway, the French federation said on Tuesday.

France Midfielder Tchouameni Sidelined For Paraguay Match

France Midfielder Tchouameni Sidelined For Paraguay Match

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup last-16 match against Paraguay due to a thigh injury. The 26-year-old, a regular starter, is expected to be replaced by Manu Kone as France continues its knockout stage campaign.

Are FIFA Officials Partial To Messi?

Are FIFA Officials Partial To Messi?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi broke the FIFA World Cup scoring record, but his achievement was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.

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.

AIFF Enhances Coach Education With AFC Fitness Course

AIFF Enhances Coach Education With AFC Fitness Course

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently conducted an AFC Fitness Course (Level 1A) at the Inspire Institute of Sport, aiming to strengthen coach education and fitness training standards within the Indian football ecosystem.

Italian football in crisis after European competition exit

Italian football in crisis after European competition exit

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Italian football is experiencing a significant crisis following the failure of its clubs in European competitions and the national team's continued absence from the World Cup.

Denmark's friendly vs Ukraine called off after Christian Eriksen collapses on pitch

Denmark's friendly vs Ukraine called off after Christian Eriksen collapses on pitch

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in a match against Ukraine on Sunday, but was conscious, the Danish Football Federation said in a social media post.

Three Iran footballers drop asylum bid, opt to return home

Three Iran footballers drop asylum bid, opt to return home

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Iranian women footballers Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and Zahra Meshkehkar, decided to return to their country days after seeking asylum in Australia.

Trump vs UEFA explodes over FIFA Balogun decision

Trump vs UEFA explodes over FIFA Balogun decision

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former US President Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, a decision UEFA called 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable' and which has sparked widespread criticism over the integrity of the game.

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Iran's football team trains in Turkey ahead of FIFA World Cup warm-ups

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iran's national football team is training in Turkey for upcoming friendlies as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, facing heightened attention due to geopolitical tensions.

Mexico agrees to host Iran team during FIFA World Cup

Mexico agrees to host Iran team during FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday her government agreed to allow the Iranian national football team to stay in Mexico during the World Cup, adding that the United States did not want to host the team.

England hit by boos and chaos ahead of FIFA World Cup in Mexico

England hit by boos and chaos ahead of FIFA World Cup in Mexico

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

England's football team received a hostile welcome upon arriving at their Mexico City hotel for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against hosts Mexico. Fans used loudspeakers and chants to disrupt their sleep, a tactic previously used against Ecuador. Security has been heightened following disturbances and post-victory violence. The match is set to kick off as scheduled despite weather concerns.

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Joakim Alexandersson Back As India U-17 Women's Head Coach For AFC Qualifiers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Joakim Alexandersson has been reappointed as the head coach of the India U-17 women's national football team, less than a year after his previous departure. He will lead the squad in preparations for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in October, where India is grouped with Malaysia, Syria, and Iraq. The team aims to build on its historic quarter-final achievement in the previous Asian Cup.