News for 'Soccer'

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Rediff.com2 days ago

World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Argentina sweats over Messi hamstring injury before World Cup

Rediff.com6 days ago

Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Espionage scandals: Southampton joins sport's Hall of Shame

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Several sports teams around the world have paid a hefty price for spying on their opponents over the years but the potential financial cost to English soccer club Southampton for their infraction could be the heaviest.

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Toronto launches football-themed condoms ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Toronto will hand out free soccer-themed condoms during the FIFA World Cup as part of a public health campaign promoting safer sex and sexual health awareness.

Zee Entertainment Secures Rights To Broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026

Zee Entertainment Secures Rights To Broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com27 minutes ago

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.

French Open: Gauff crashes out as Potapova pulls off huge upset

French Open: Gauff crashes out as Potapova pulls off huge upset

Rediff.com1 days ago

Defending champion Coco Gauff was defeated by Anastasia Potapova in the French Open, with Potapova winning 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4 to advance to the fourth round.

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

How Yan Diomande Went From Florida To World Cup

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast, has experienced a meteoric rise in the world of football, going from playing in a Florida high school to representing his country at the World Cup. His journey involved overcoming cultural challenges and excelling in both the United States and Europe, ultimately leading to his selection for the Ivory Coast national team.

Fonseca Beats Ruud To Reach French Open Quarter-Finals

Fonseca Beats Ruud To Reach French Open Quarter-Finals

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca defeated Casper Ruud to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the French Open, continuing his impressive run in the tournament.

French crowd roars as Parry shocks 6th seed at Roland Garros

French crowd roars as Parry shocks 6th seed at Roland Garros

Rediff.com1 days ago

Diane Parry defeated Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling three-set match to advance to the fourth round of the French Open, marking her first time reaching this stage in a Grand Slam tournament.

Spying scandal rocks English football as Southampton expelled from world's richest match

Spying scandal rocks English football as Southampton expelled from world's richest match

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs after being found guilty of spying on opponents. Middlesbrough have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the final.

Will India miss out on FIFA World Cup Broadcast?

Will India miss out on FIFA World Cup Broadcast?

Rediff.com19 May 2026

FIFA officials are visiting India this week to try and resolve a deadlock over broadcast rights for next month's World Cup, with millions of Indian soccer fans potentially missing out on the tournament.

Cristo Fernandez Trades Acting For Pro Football

Cristo Fernandez Trades Acting For Pro Football

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas, has signed a professional football contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, a U.S. second-tier team, fulfilling a lifelong dream after overcoming a past knee injury.

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Rediff.com5 days ago

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com7 days ago

Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns after he left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union

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.

PIX: Modi plays football with children in Sikkim

PIX: Modi plays football with children in Sikkim

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Sikkim, engaged in a football session with local children in Gangtok, describing the experience as 'energising'. He also attended the closing ceremony of 50 years of Sikkim's statehood and launched projects worth Rs 4,000 crore.

FIFA World Cup on the brink: India, China yet to secure broadcast deal

FIFA World Cup on the brink: India, China yet to secure broadcast deal

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Millions of soccer fans in the world's two most populous nations may not be able to watch the World Cup that starts next month, due to a deadlock over broadcast rights in India and no official decision in China.

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Neymar earns Brazil World Cup recall under Ancelotti

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to Brazil's squad for next month's FIFA World Cup, backing the veteran forward's fitness and experience despite his injury-disrupted recent years.

End of an era: Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City after decade-long reign

End of an era: Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City after decade-long reign

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time.'

Maradona had bipolar disorder, court hears in death trial

Maradona had bipolar disorder, court hears in death trial

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A psychologist testifies in Diego Maradona's death trial, stating the football legend had bipolar disorder and required strict alcohol abstinence.

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

'Visca El Barca!' Messi congratulates La Liga champions FC Barcelona

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Lionel Messi congratulated FC Barcelona after their 29th La Liga title win over Real Madrid, recalling his legendary trophy-laden legacy with the Catalan giants.

Drake enters football with 100M Euros power move

Drake enters football with 100M Euros power move

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Italian second-tier soccer club Venezia has secured a significant minority investment from sports industry heavyweight Tim Leiweke, thanks in part to Canadian rapper Drake.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremonies in Mexico, Canada, US

Rediff.com9 May 2026

FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.

Soccer: Napoli go second; Lens top Ligue 1

Soccer: Napoli go second; Lens top Ligue 1

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Scott McTominay's early strike lifts Napoli to second in Serie A, while Lens thrash Angers 5-1 to go top of Ligue 1.

Dravid believes ETPL can help Europe challenge cricket's elite

Dravid believes ETPL can help Europe challenge cricket's elite

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rahul Dravid said the European T20 Premier League offers an 'exciting opportunity' to grow cricket in Europe after becoming owner of the Dublin Guardians franchise.

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Gianni Infantino confirms he will seek a fourth term as FIFA president, with elections set for 2027 amid ongoing expansion reforms and criticism.

Mounting Injuries Threaten Stars Ahead Of The World Cup

Mounting Injuries Threaten Stars Ahead Of The World Cup

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Several high-profile football players are facing injuries ahead of the World Cup, raising concerns about their participation in the tournament. Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and other stars are among those sidelined, while the packed playing schedule is drawing criticism.

FIFA Congress overshadowed by protests outside venue

FIFA Congress overshadowed by protests outside venue

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Protests on multiple fronts disrupted the atmosphere outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, as demonstrators raised sharply different concerns over global politics and local issues.

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.

Soccer: Inter held by Atalanta; 9-man Bayern drop points

Soccer: Inter held by Atalanta; 9-man Bayern drop points

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

A summary of results from football leagues across Europe.

Tensions flare as Palestinian FA chief snubs Israeli official at FIFA Congress

Tensions flare as Palestinian FA chief snubs Israeli official at FIFA Congress

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Palestinian soccer federation President Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman in a heated moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Human rights groups issue US travel advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Advocacy groups issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors traveling to the US for the 2026 World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.

Diego Maradona's childhood house transformed into soup kitchen

Diego Maradona's childhood house transformed into soup kitchen

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Every week, hundreds of people line up to fill a plastic container with food in an unlikely place: the humble home where Argentine soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona was born.

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Leicester City were relegated to the third tier of English soccer on Tuesday, a decade on from their astonishing run to the Premier League title, while Coventry City made sure they will go up to the top flight as champions.

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.

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Premier League 2015-16 champions Leicester City relegated to third division

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Leicester City were relegated to the third tier of English soccer on Tuesday, a decade on from their astonishing run to the Premier League title, while Coventry City made sure they will go up to the top flight as champions.

Not pitch-perfect: Italy carry cricket hopes of soccer nation

Not pitch-perfect: Italy carry cricket hopes of soccer nation

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Italy are gearing up for their Twenty20 World Cup debut, hoping a strong showing next month will help the sport break into popular culture in a soccer-obsessed nation that does not have a natural cricket pitch.

Soccer: Atletico book Copa del Rey final spot despite Barca thrashing

Soccer: Atletico book Copa del Rey final spot despite Barca thrashing

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Barcelona came within a whisker of an improbable comeback after last month's thrashing, with 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal, starting in place of the injured Frenkie De Jong, scoring in each half and Raphinha converting a penalty after Pedri was fouled.

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Italy rejects a proposal by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as officials insist qualification must be earned on merit.

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.