News for 'National Football League'

How Karnataka Won The U13 Football League Title

How Karnataka Won The U13 Football League Title

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Karnataka defeated Punjab in a penalty shootout to win the U13 ASMITA National Football League title after a 1-1 draw.

National Football League fixtures

National Football League fixtures

Rediff.com20 Nov 2003

The fixtures for the first phase of the tournament, which gets underway on November 28.

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The I-League, the country's second-tier football competition, will be restructured and rechristened as Indian Football League (IFL).

11m prize-money for National Football League

11m prize-money for National Football League

Rediff.com5 Jan 2006

The tenth edition of the National Football League, featuring the ten best teams of the country, kicks-off on, January 10.

East Bengal win National Football League

East Bengal win National Football League

Rediff.com28 Apr 2004

A 3-0 victory over Indian Bank assured them the crown with two rounds to go.\n\n

No clear favourite in National Football League

No clear favourite in National Football League

Rediff.com4 Jan 2007

The 11th edition of India's premier football league gets underway with inaugural champions JCT Mills taking on dark horses Mohammedan Sporting on Friday.

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Indian Super League season delayed, AIFF clarifies financial allegations

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been postponed to after October 6 due to the FIFA international match window, and will proceed with 13 teams after Diamond Harbour FC failed to meet payment deadlines. Concurrently, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condemned "unverified claims" regarding its finances and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, asserting that the prioritisation of a friendly match against Brazil was a strategic move for Indian football.

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

FIFA vs UEFA: Unpacking the Power Struggle in Global Football

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup highlights the intricate balance of power in global football, where the governing body's authority is often challenged by the significant commercial strength of UEFA, particularly in Europe.

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.

Zidane takes over as France national team head coach

Zidane takes over as France national team head coach

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Former France midfielder and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps.

Roberto Mancini returns for second stint as Italy national team coach

Roberto Mancini returns for second stint as Italy national team coach

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Former Italy manager Roberto Mancini is set to return for a second spell as the national team coach, replacing Gennaro Gattuso, who departed after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

How many footballers does India really have? AIFF answers

How many footballers does India really have? AIFF answers

Rediff.com1 hour ago

The All India Football Federation has disclosed the number of registered football players, coaches, and referees in India in response to an RTI application.

East Bengal Face Crucial AFC Champions League Two Qualifier

East Bengal Face Crucial AFC Champions League Two Qualifier

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Reigning Indian Super League champions East Bengal are set to face Kuwaiti league runners-up Al Arabi SC in a critical AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage knockout fixture. The single-leg qualifier will determine a spot in the group stage, with East Bengal navigating squad challenges under new coach Antonio Lopez Habas.

AIFF Announces Tentative Football Season Calendar For 2026-27

AIFF Announces Tentative Football Season Calendar For 2026-27

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released its tentative calendar for the 2026-27 season, featuring the Indian Super League (ISL), Federation Cup, and other key tournaments.

FIFA President's Position 'Untenable' After World Cup Rights Sale Fails

FIFA President's Position 'Untenable' After World Cup Rights Sale Fails

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Gianni Infantino's position as FIFA president is deemed 'untenable' by the head of Europe's professional football leagues following his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights, a move that triggered widespread protest and a loss of confidence from regional confederations.

Zlatko Dalic lands new job after Croatia exit

Zlatko Dalic lands new job after Croatia exit

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Zlatko Dalic, former Croatia manager, has been appointed as the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates national football team. He previously led Croatia to a World Cup final and returns to the UAE where he won a league title with Al Ain.

Tata Steel Sells Jamshedpur Football Club To Churchill Brothers For Rs 100

Tata Steel Sells Jamshedpur Football Club To Churchill Brothers For Rs 100

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Tata Steel has announced the sale of its entire 100% equity stake in Jamshedpur Football to Churchill Brothers for Rs 100.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo set to retire from international football in September?

Is Cristiano Ronaldo set to retire from international football in September?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to retire from international football in September, with speculation suggesting his final match will be Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales.

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.

Spain great Xavi Hernandez named Netherlands' first foreign-born coach

Spain great Xavi Hernandez named Netherlands' first foreign-born coach

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a contract through the 2030 World Cup. The former Barcelona manager replaces Ronald Koeman and marks his first role as a national team coach.

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.

'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.'

England Footballer Ivan Toney Faces Assault Charge Over Nightclub Incident

England Footballer Ivan Toney Faces Assault Charge Over Nightclub Incident

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

England international footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following an incident at a Soho nightclub in December last year.

La Liga's Tebas: FIFA's Infantino 'Should Quit' Over 'Destroying Football Industry'

La Liga's Tebas: FIFA's Infantino 'Should Quit' Over 'Destroying Football Industry'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing the global governing body of 'destroying the football industry' through the expansion of international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues and clubs. Tebas also criticised the handling of a US player's ban and the proposed expansion of the men's World Cup.

Debutant Diamond Harbour FC clinch IFL title, secure promotion to Indian Super League

Debutant Diamond Harbour FC clinch IFL title, secure promotion to Indian Super League

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Diamond Harbour FC secured the Indian Football League (IFL) title in their debut season, drawing 1-1 with Dempo SC and earning promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL).

Italy approached Ancelotti before Guardiola for national coach role

Italy approached Ancelotti before Guardiola for national coach role

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Italy's technical director Paolo Maldini revealed that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) first approached Carlo Ancelotti for the national team coaching job before engaging with Pep Guardiola, as they seek to rebuild the Azzurri after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

East Bengal End Title Drought, Win Indian Super League

East Bengal End Title Drought, Win Indian Super League

Rediff.com21 May 2026

East Bengal FC emerged victorious in the Indian Super League, securing their first-ever title after a 22-year drought, defeating Inter Kashi 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Could a 64-team World Cup put Asian football at FIFA's mercy?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.

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.

Breaking: Klopp Could Take Over Germany National Team

Breaking: Klopp Could Take Over Germany National Team

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Germany's Football Association (DFB) has held initial, constructive discussions with Juergen Klopp in New York regarding him taking over as the national team head coach. Both parties are confident of reaching a deal, pending agreement with Klopp's current employer, Red Bull. Klopp is the DFB's preferred choice to succeed Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's disappointing World Cup exit.

Iran Football Team Applies For US, Canada Visas Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

Iran Football Team Applies For US, Canada Visas Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team attended visa appointments in Ankara, Turkey, applying for Canadian visas and some players also submitting applications for US entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

New France Head Coach Zidane aiming for Euro 2028 glory

New France Head Coach Zidane aiming for Euro 2028 glory

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 World Cup hero and former Real Madrid manager, has been appointed to lead the France national team, with the primary goal of converting recent near-misses into major trophies, starting with the 2028 European Championship.

Juergen Klopp appointed Germany head coach on four-year deal

Juergen Klopp appointed Germany head coach on four-year deal

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss Juergen Klopp has been appointed as the head coach of the German national football team on a four-year contract, following Julian Nagelsmann's departure and a series of disappointing World Cup performances.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com4 hours ago

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

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.

How Karachi's Football Fans Celebrate The FIFA World Cup

How Karachi's Football Fans Celebrate The FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Despite Pakistan not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Karachi is buzzing with excitement as the global event begins. "WC Football" villages have been set up in areas like Malir and Lyari, known for their love of the sport, featuring large screens, decorations, and enthusiastic fans. The city's passion for football is evident, with local clubs and administration organising events for youngsters, highlighting the sport's growing influence beyond cricket.

East Bengal clinch Indian Super League title after 22-year wait

East Bengal clinch Indian Super League title after 22-year wait

Rediff.com22 May 2026

East Bengal FC secured their first Indian Super League title, ending a 22-year drought with a 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi, sparking jubilant celebrations among fans.

Durand Cup Trophy Tour Kicks Off In Ranchi Ahead Of Seven Matches

Durand Cup Trophy Tour Kicks Off In Ranchi Ahead Of Seven Matches

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Jharkhand Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar flagged off the 135th Durand Cup 2026 trophy tour in Ranchi. The state capital is set to host seven matches of the prestigious football tournament, including six league matches and one quarter-final, starting July 26. The minister expressed hope that Jharkhand's successful hosting could lead to it hosting final matches in future years.

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.

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.