News for 'International Football Federation'

Sharath Kamal's 11-year plan to win TT Olympic gold

Sharath Kamal's 11-year plan to win TT Olympic gold

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Recently-retired Indian table tennis great A Sharath Kamal has given himself 11 years to produce the country's first Olympic medallist in the racket sport and German football club Borussia Dortmund could end up being his unlikely ally in pursuit of this path-breaking dream.

Is 40-year-old Chhetri India's ONLY hope?

Is 40-year-old Chhetri India's ONLY hope?

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Sunil Chhetri's return from international retirement at 40 highlights the lack of quality strikers in Indian football.

AIFF likely to implement Additional Video Review System

AIFF likely to implement Additional Video Review System

Rediff.com6 Jan 2024

Several countries across the globe use VAR in their domestic club competitions after it was first introduced in Australia and the United States.

AIFF plan IPL style football league

AIFF plan IPL style football league

Rediff.com10 Jul 2012

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das admitted that the federation is indeed planning to hold an IPL-style league but everything is at a very preliminary stage.

Farewell Dr Vece Paes: Hockey Great, Sports Medicine Pioneer

Farewell Dr Vece Paes: Hockey Great, Sports Medicine Pioneer

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Olympic medallist Dr Vece Paes was a part of the BCCI's anti-doping programme for several years, besides also working with the Indian Davis Cup team.

Amid controversy, Churchill Brothers get I-League trophy from AIFF

Amid controversy, Churchill Brothers get I-League trophy from AIFF

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Now AIFF's move to hand the trophy to Churchill Brother, just hours after the CAS order staying the federation's decision to declare the club as champions, could provoke international scrutiny, including from FIFA.

Meet India's first woman professional footballer

Meet India's first woman professional footballer

Rediff.com30 Jan 2020

Renowned Scottish club Rangers FC on Wednesday announced the signing of woman's national team forward Bala Devi -- a first in Indian football. This will make Bala the first Indian woman to become a professional footballer anywhere in the world and she also becomes Rangers' first Asian international footballer.

'The World Lost a Visionary'

'The World Lost a Visionary'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Stalwarts of Indian sports paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who died on Thursday, describing him as a visionary, who had quiet strength and humility.

How FIFA ban will hit Indian football

How FIFA ban will hit Indian football

Rediff.com16 Aug 2022

While there is no imminent threat to the AFC Asian Cup participation by the senior men's team in late 2023 or early 2024, some of the games slated for clubs and age-group national teams in the next few months could well be a tricky terrain.

Football Briefs: Barcelona prepared to make new offer for Liverpool's Coutinho

Football Briefs: Barcelona prepared to make new offer for Liverpool's Coutinho

Rediff.com11 Oct 2017

News of all that's transpired on and off the football field

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.

The main issue with Indian football is...

The main issue with Indian football is...

Rediff.com8 Apr 2022

The main issue with football in the country is the lack of a robust league structure.

150 games and counting! Chhetri reflects on his epic journey

150 games and counting! Chhetri reflects on his epic journey

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

At 39, he is, understandably, a different footballer but the hunger for goals remains.

Bhutia urges ISL, I-League to 'invest in grassroots'

Bhutia urges ISL, I-League to 'invest in grassroots'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

'Today, U20 players are losing to Bangladesh, not qualifying for the Asia Cup. We can't expect miracles from the senior team. We need to really work at the ground level. The important thing for the AIFF is to bring as many kids as possible to play.'

AIFF cries foul, strongly refutes Stimac's allegations

AIFF cries foul, strongly refutes Stimac's allegations

Rediff.com24 Jun 2024

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) strongly refuted allegations made by former head coach Igor Stimac, calling them a deliberate attempt to tarnish the federation's reputation.

Former India footballer Manitombi dies at 39

Former India footballer Manitombi dies at 39

Rediff.com9 Aug 2020

Former India and Mohun Bagan footballer Manitombi Singh died aged only 39 at his native village near Imphal in Manipur on Sunday. Manitombi was suffering from a prolonged illness and breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday.

FIFA-AIFF football development program in seven Indian states

FIFA-AIFF football development program in seven Indian states

Rediff.com27 Jul 2015

India has been termed the sleeping giant of world football by FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) president Sepp Blatter, and to awaken the dormant potential of the region, the international football association has launched a new program in partnership with the football associations of seven Indian states.

How Chhetri became one of India's greatest footballers

How Chhetri became one of India's greatest footballers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2020

Sunil Chhetri, who will complete 15 years in international football on June 12, is India's highest goal-scorer with 72 strikes from 115 matches. He is the second highest goal-scorer in international football in the world among active players behind Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.

Kiss scandal: Spain's World Cup winners on strike!

Kiss scandal: Spain's World Cup winners on strike!

Rediff.com26 Aug 2023

All 23 of the World cup-winning squad including Jenni Hermoso, as well as 32 other squad members, said they would not play internationals while Luis Rubiales remains head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

Sunil Chhetri: The backbencher and prankster who will finish on top

Sunil Chhetri: The backbencher and prankster who will finish on top

Rediff.com16 May 2024

Football was not very close to Sunil Chhetri's heart during his days as a bubbly teenager with proclivity for pranks. He was only looking to use the sport as a vehicle to gain entry to a reputed college and continue his education.

Former India football captain Carlton Chapman dead at 49

Former India football captain Carlton Chapman dead at 49

Rediff.com12 Oct 2020

Chapman was hospitalised on Sunday night in Bengaluru and passed away early Monday morning.

Indian football: Infrastructure, money remain impediments

Indian football: Infrastructure, money remain impediments

Rediff.com7 Nov 2016

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday said the lack of top-class infrastructure still remains an impediment to the development of football in the country, while AIFF president Praful Patel lamented the absence of enough money in sports other than cricket. Considered the torchbearer of Indian football during his playing days, Bhutia felt while avenues have opened up now lot can still be done in the area of infrastructure.

Stimac sacked after India's exit from WC qualifiers

Stimac sacked after India's exit from WC qualifiers

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Following a virtual meeting on June 16th, 2024, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a change in leadership for the Senior Men's National Team.

Manipur football dreams torn apart by ethnic clashes

Manipur football dreams torn apart by ethnic clashes

Rediff.com24 May 2024

ESU coach Ngampao Kipgen, a member of the Kuki tribe, told Reuters he was forced to flee to the hills with his family after his house was burned down.

Bhaichung Bhutia hangs up his boots

Bhaichung Bhutia hangs up his boots

Rediff.com24 Aug 2011

Former captain and the face of Indian football for major part of the last two decades, star striker Bhaichung Bhutia on Wednesday announced his international retirement, drawing curtains on an illustrious 16-year career.

'Put AIFF in order to improve Indian football'

'Put AIFF in order to improve Indian football'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2010

Slamming the All India Football Federation (AIFF) squarely for the declining standards of football in the country, former Iranian international Jamshed Nassiri on Friday asked AIFF to put its house in order with better governance for the standard to rise.

Lahm stuns Germany by quitting national side

Lahm stuns Germany by quitting national side

Rediff.com18 Jul 2014

Germany captain Philipp Lahm stunned his homeland on Friday by quitting international football at the age of 30, five days after leading his side to World Cup victory in Brazil.

3 foreign teams for Tata football

3 foreign teams for Tata football

Rediff.com20 May 2003

India's junior teams will be pitted against Uzbekistan, Iran and Bangladesh in the tournament.

Footballers Bembem Devi, Jeje nominated for Arjuna

Footballers Bembem Devi, Jeje nominated for Arjuna

Rediff.com2 May 2017

One of the biggest names in the women's game, the 36-year-old Bembem called time on her illustrious international career at the end of the South Asian Games last year in Shillong.

AIFF to appoint Koevermans as new football coach

AIFF to appoint Koevermans as new football coach

Rediff.com22 May 2012

Former Dutch international Wim Koevermans is all set to take over as the chief coach of the Indian football team for a two-year term, ending a more than a year's search for a full-fledged occupant for the top job.

Colaco named India's interim football coach

Colaco named India's interim football coach

Rediff.com20 May 2011

The budget constraints notwithstanding, the All India Football Federation is looking for a technical director whose profile is bigger than former national coach Bob Houghton, according to AIFF officials.

Bhutia to head AIFF technical committee

Bhutia to head AIFF technical committee

Rediff.com20 Mar 2013

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been appointed chairman of the All India Football Federation's technical committee, marking the Sikkimese sniper's foray into administration.

#MeToo allegations hit Indian football

#MeToo allegations hit Indian football

Rediff.com25 Apr 2022

AIFF secretary Kushal Das molested employees at work place, alleges former owner of I-League team Minerva Punjab.

Indian football gets 700-crore boost

Indian football gets 700-crore boost

Rediff.com9 Dec 2010

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday roped in International Management Group-Reliance Industries Limited as their commercial partner by signing a 15-year agreement worth Rs 700 crore, one of the most lucrative deals in Indian sports.

New era for yoga: Historic Asian Games debut looms

New era for yoga: Historic Asian Games debut looms

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

If approved, yoga could debut as a demonstration sport in the 2026 Games in Nagoya, Japan, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a spiritual practice to a recognised competitive discipline.

Churchill Brothers withdraw from Super Cup over I-League dispute

Churchill Brothers withdraw from Super Cup over I-League dispute

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Churchill Brothers have withdrawn from the Super Cup tournament starting April 20 in Bhubaneswar, protesting against the All India Football Federation's decision to not officially declare them as 2024-25 I-League champions

Nedved retires from internationals

Nedved retires from internationals

Rediff.com24 Sep 2004

The 32-year-old midfielder retired from international football because of persistent injury, the Czech soccer federation said.

What Is Khelo Bharat Niti All About?

What Is Khelo Bharat Niti All About?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Khelo Bharat Niti: Regulatory bodies for better sports administration but will IOA, NSFs play ball?

AIFF closes investigation into alleged harassment case

AIFF closes investigation into alleged harassment case

Rediff.com3 Apr 2024

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday said it has closed the investigation into a "verbal" complaint of "harassment" made by a woman employee against a male colleague as the "alleged victim and the other party do not wish to pursue the matter any further".

Indian woman football referee for Olympics

Indian woman football referee for Olympics

Rediff.com24 May 2004

Bentla D'Couth, India's first woman football referee, will officiate at the Athens Olympics.