News for 'Indian Football Association and All India Football Association'

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India's international football friendly against Panama in Bengaluru has been advanced by a day to September 25 due to the Bengaluru Marathon. The match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers against a 2026 World Cup participant, preceding other high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened applications for its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a crucial step under the newly adopted National Sports Governance Act. This initiative aims to induct retired players into the federation's General Body, ensuring greater representation and direct involvement in governance. The process outlines specific eligibility criteria across various tiers of sporting achievement and allows direct applications, bypassing state association endorsements.

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Why India's Football Is Relegated To AFC Challenge League

Rediff.com22 May 2026

India's football faces a setback as it receives only one play-off slot for the 2027-28 AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asia's club structure, due to administrative issues and declining performance.

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.'

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

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

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

Indian football gets new leader with focus on quality

Indian football gets new leader with focus on quality

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

Priority will be improvement in quality of football: AIFF's new secretary general

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.

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.

Sunil Chhetri vows to support Indian football

Sunil Chhetri vows to support Indian football

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Sunil Chhetri might have bid adieu to his international career but he remains deeply attached to the fortunes of the team

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.

Indian football mourns former AIFF chief Dasmunsi's death

Indian football mourns former AIFF chief Dasmunsi's death

Rediff.com20 Nov 2017

The 72-year-old, also an eminent Congress leader, passed away today after being in coma since 2008, when he had suffered a stroke.

Swedish coach to shape future of Indian women's football

Swedish coach to shape future of Indian women's football

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Swede Joakim Alexandersson was on Thursday appointed as the chief coach of the India women's U-20 and U-17 national teams by the All India Football Federation.

India's football friendly against Yemen cancelled

India's football friendly against Yemen cancelled

Rediff.com8 Nov 2012

The Indian football team's international friendly against Yemen, which was slated to be played on November 14 in Guwahati, has been cancelled after the visiting team informed the All Indian Football Federation that they won't be able to make the trip due to ticketing problems.

He has damaged Indian football: Bhutia blasts AIFF chief

He has damaged Indian football: Bhutia blasts AIFF chief

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

Should not entertain him, must be removed: Bhaichung Bhutia criticises AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey for corruption, mismanagement

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

AIFF Approves Governance Act, Postpones ISL Commercial Partner Decision

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has approved the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act but deferred a decision on picking a new commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) during its Special General Body Meeting.

AIFF's grand plans to improve Indian football...

AIFF's grand plans to improve Indian football...

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

The All India Football Federation is exploring the possibility of selecting Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) for the Indian football team.

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.

Indian football team to tour Fiji

Indian football team to tour Fiji

Rediff.com2 Aug 2005

S Venkatesh will lead the Indian football team that plays a three match friendly series in Fiji later this month

Zee Entertainment Secures Rights To Broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026

Zee Entertainment Secures Rights To Broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has announced an eight-year partnership with FIFA to broadcast all its matches, including the World Cup 2026, in the Indian market. The deal includes 39 FIFA global football events, with live coverage available on ZEEL's sports network and streaming platform ZEE5.

Mizoram CM Sets Ambitious Futsal Goals For State

Mizoram CM Sets Ambitious Futsal Goals For State

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has called for the state to become a hub for Indian futsal, producing players capable of leading the national team to the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Speaking at a felicitation for Tlangnuam Futsal Club, he emphasised nurturing talent for international success and highlighted government investment in sports infrastructure.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.com6 Aug 2026

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.com6 Aug 2026

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 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.

Mohun Bagan to face East Bengal in 2026 Durand Cup opener

Mohun Bagan to face East Bengal in 2026 Durand Cup opener

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Trophy Tour for the 135th Durand Cup has concluded in Kolkata, marking the final stop before Asia's oldest football tournament begins. Kolkata will host 16 matches, including the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby and the final. The tournament features 24 teams from across five cities, with West Bengal sports minister and the organising committee chairman emphasising the city's deep connection to football and the tournament's legacy.

Not much separates India, Aus young footballers: Grassroots coach

Not much separates India, Aus young footballers: Grassroots coach

Rediff.com30 Jan 2014

'India can benefit from the sheer number of kids who play, and with more development the game in India will grow,' says Anthony Frost, a Melbourne-based grassroots football instructor.

Sports Ministry Unveils National Sports Election Panel For Fair Polls

Sports Ministry Unveils National Sports Election Panel For Fair Polls

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Sports Ministry has established a 20-member National Sports Election Panel, including former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies as mandated by the National Sports Governance Act. Concurrently, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal, which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.

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.

Indian footballers await COVID results in Doha

Indian footballers await COVID results in Doha

Rediff.com20 May 2021

The AIFF thanked Qatar Football Association (QFA) for allowing the team to arrive much before the matches and have a preparatory camp in Doha. QFA also used its good offices to allow the Indians start training without serving 10-day hard quarantine.

Can Jamil spark India's AFC Asian Cup dream?

Can Jamil spark India's AFC Asian Cup dream?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Jamil's first assignment in his new role will be the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup, to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan starting August 29.

Former CECs To Oversee Elections In Indian Sports Federations

Former CECs To Oversee Elections In Indian Sports Federations

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India's Sports Ministry has announced the formation of a 20-member National Sports Election Panel (NSEP), including two former Chief Election Commissioners, to oversee fair elections in national sports bodies. This panel, mandated by the National Sports Governance Act 2025, aims to streamline electoral processes. Additionally, the deadline for applications to the National Sports Tribunal (NST), which will handle sports disputes, has been extended.

AIFF's 'ingenious' idea to boost Indian football...

AIFF's 'ingenious' idea to boost Indian football...

Rediff.com24 Jun 2015

India FA eye origin players for short-term solution