Lionel Messi has become majority owner of Spanish second-tier club Eldense, adding his second Spanish football club this year as the struggling side battles relegation.
John Abraham, owner of Northeast United, believes the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season will mark a significant turning point for Indian football. With a new club-led domestic structure and a return to the traditional home-and-away format, Abraham envisions a "paradigm shift" where football could rival cricket's popularity. He also highlighted NEUFC's regional impact and their ambition to win the ISL title.
Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC) is poised to make history by becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the Indian Football League (IFL), with its debut scheduled for the 2026-27 season starting October 30. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio lauded the club's entry, highlighting its potential to inspire youth and provide a platform for local football talent. NUSC's formation in 2024 and its arrangement with Aizawl FC underscore a significant step for football in the Northeast region.
Football administrator Ranjit Bajaj has filed a writ petition in court, seeking directions for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to immediately schedule and complete elections for its Executive Committee. Bajaj argues that the AIFF has already adopted a compliant constitution, making further deferment unjustified.
Lionel Messi scored four goals and provided an assist, leading Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over CF Montreal, snapping their five-game winless streak and topping the MLS scoring charts.
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.
The All India Football Federation has disclosed the number of registered football players, coaches, and referees in India in response to an RTI application.
The Keralam government has allotted the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi to Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters FC for its home matches in the 2026-27 season at a rent of Rs 3.5 lakh per match, along with a Rs 25 lakh security deposit. The decision acknowledges the club's contribution to football in the state and the promotion of sporting interests.
The Indian men's football team, led by head coach Khalid Jamil, will play high-profile friendlies against Panama, five-time world champions Brazil, and two-time world champions Uruguay in September and October.
PETA has urged Crystal Palace to retire bald eagle mascot Phoenix, citing animal welfare concerns, stadium-related stress and safety risks, while calling for an end to live animal mascots.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced its full support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president, despite previous disagreements over his commercial rights plan. AFC head Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa stated the region's commitment to Infantino's leadership, who is seeking a fourth term until 2031.
Erik ten Hag blamed Cristiano Ronaldo's poor fitness and preparation for his Manchester United struggles, saying the superstar let the team down before their acrimonious split in November 2022.
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has been hospitalised in a stable condition after collapsing during reserve-team training, with sporting director Max Eberl confirming he will be sidelined for weeks due to a virus.
Six Arab football federations, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, have publicly declared their "full support" and "confidence" in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This backing comes as Infantino faces significant backlash and withdrawals of support from European and Oceania federations over his failed $20 billion private investment plan for the World Cup, highlighting a growing schism within global football governance.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has reportedly suspended his professional career indefinitely following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at 68 after a prolonged illness.
India's U20 football team secured a historic qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament after a 20-year hiatus, following a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed their spot as one of the best runners-up, with the main tournament scheduled for 2027 in China.
The Bombay High Court has expressed strong displeasure with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for approving the conversion of the Neville D'Souza football ground in Bandra into an exhibition centre, despite an earlier oral assurance to maintain status quo. The court has ordered the BMC to halt further action and questioned the impact on outdoor sports.
India U-15 head coach Bibiano Fernandes shares his philosophy for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. He emphasises developing a strong footballing foundation, tactical flexibility, and good character among his young players, as they prepare to face teams like Laos, Bahrain, and Senegal starting October 24.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.
The Durand Football Tournament Society has recognised 11 young footballers with the Emerging Player award, each receiving Rs 1 lakh. These players, from various teams across all six groups, impressed with their performances, showcasing promising talent and potential during the ongoing Durand Cup.
Leeds United climbed to third in the Premier League with a 4-1 victory over Newcastle, while Inter Milan staged a comeback to beat Udinese 5-3, maintaining their perfect Serie A start alongside AS Roma, who won 2-0 at Torino. In LaLiga, Betis continued their strong run with a win over Villarreal.
El Clasico returns to Camp Nou with 14 potential debutants, Barcelona chasing a nine-point lead, Real Madrid seeking revival, and Jose Mourinho's return intensifying football's fiercest rivalry.
'Tiger was sitting in his car when the incident happened. He is not injured. Two people injured, his driver Firdaus and a passerby. 15 teams are working to arrest the culprits.'
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan offered their perspectives on the Indian football team's 6-1 defeat against Uruguay. Chaubey highlighted the team's strong start and confidence, suggesting rain disrupted momentum, and stressed the importance of playing top-level opposition. Khan called the match a landmark moment for Indian football exposure but also criticised political interference in West Bengal's football ecosystem.
Churchill Brothers, a dominant force in Indian football in the 90s, are making their Indian Super League debut against Mumbai City FC. Head coach Dimitris Dimitriou aims to establish a distinct football culture and competitive style of play for the club, despite a fast-forward pre-season.
B S Mehra was elected unopposed as the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) president during the state body's polls on Sunday. Other key positions, including vice-presidents and executive members, were also filled, with elections conducted under the supervision of an AIFF-appointed officer.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes criticised his team's mentality, stating they adopted a 'mood of defeat' after conceding an early goal in their 4-1 Champions League loss to Como, a result that intensifies pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
Brazil football legend Neymar Jr has penned an emotional tribute to Argentina icon Lionel Messi as Messi prepares for his final international match against Benin. Neymar, a former teammate at Barcelona and PSG, expressed gratitude for Messi's contributions to football and wished him well for his farewell game. The article also recaps Messi's illustrious international career, including his World Cup and Copa America triumphs, and his records as Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer.
After a stunning 2-1 debut win against Mumbai City FC, Indian Super League newcomers Churchill Brothers are preparing to face defending champions East Bengal, with coach Dimitris Dimitriou emphasising continuous improvement and a competitive approach.
Cristiano Ronaldo was provisionally suspended after Portugal's football federation opened urgent disciplinary proceedings over his camp departure following a reported rift with coach Jorge Jesus, despite his subsequent apology.
Churchill Brothers are set to begin their new Indian Super League campaign against Mumbai City FC on Sunday. Head Coach Dimitris Dimitriou aims to establish a distinct footballing identity, while the team returns to the ISL after a season away, following a turbulent period in Indian football.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the All India Football Federation of full government support to host India's biggest-ever international football fixture against five-time World Cup champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3. This historic match will be India's first against a top-five FIFA-ranked nation, offering crucial exposure to the national team despite initial concerns over crowd management.
Gianni Infantino faces mounting scrutiny after apologising over the abandoned FIFA commercialisation proposal, with England and Germany demanding transparency and reform while African officials continue backing his leadership.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced that its much-anticipated elections will take place on December 20. This decision, made at a Special General Body Meeting attended by FIFA and AFC officials, aims to resolve governance uncertainties and elect new office-bearers at a critical time for Indian football. Rajeev Sharma has been appointed as the electoral officer.
Over 100 US lawmakers, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have written to FBI Director Kash Patel demanding an investigation into an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois as a federal hate crime. They also sought answers on measures to address online threats targeting Indian-Americans, criticising the Trump administration's past messaging for legitimising racial stereotypes.
Michael Carrick accepted responsibility for Manchester United's alarming slump, defended his leadership after seven winless games, and vowed to restore the club's identity despite mounting pressure on his position.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.
Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich, and Napoli all secured crucial victories in their respective European football leagues, with Ferran Torres, Harry Kane, and Stanislav Lobotka scoring decisive goals. Juventus, however, suffered a late defeat to Sassuolo.
Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff sustained minor injuries in a firing incident in Mumbai's Juhu area on Sunday evening. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Shroff's residence to inquire about his well-being and assured state government support, condemning the attack and promising action against those responsible. The actor's driver also sustained injuries, and police are investigating the incident.
Punjab FC head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expresses strong confidence in his team's ability to challenge for the Indian Super League title this season. He highlights the squad's quality, built around homegrown talent, and their thorough pre-season preparation, including participation in the IFA Shield. Dermitzakis also details the team's philosophy of playing attractive, possession-based football with tactical flexibility, a sentiment echoed by captain Khaiminthang Lhungdim as they prepare for their opening match against Odisha FC.
