News for 'The Football'

Pucovski Sues School Over Concussion Protocol Failures

Pucovski Sues School Over Concussion Protocol Failures

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Former Australian cricketer Will Pucovski has initiated legal proceedings against his former school, Brighton Grammar, alleging that the institution failed to adhere to proper concussion protocols after he sustained a head injury during a football training session in 2014. His lawyers claim this incident led to a traumatic brain injury, making him vulnerable to subsequent concussions and ultimately forcing his early retirement from professional cricket at age 27.

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Politics and Football Collide Again as Iran Hold Belgium Amid Protests

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

At the Iran-Belgium FIFA World Cup match, least one attendee wearing a pre-revolutionary flag shirt was detained for trying to run onto the pitch and Iranian player Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the match that he doesn't want to keep focusing on the challenging situations faced by his team.

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and Nahuel Molina a seven-game ban from FIFA for their involvement in a brawl after the World Cup final against Spain, with both players also fined $90,000 each. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a $321,000 fine for multiple disciplinary breaches, including a controversial banner display and team misconduct.

Szoboszlai Penalty Earns Liverpool Dramatic Draw With Newcastle

Szoboszlai Penalty Earns Liverpool Dramatic Draw With Newcastle

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Liverpool secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James' Park, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting a stoppage-time penalty. The match also served as a tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, a shared hero for both clubs, with fans and former players honouring his legacy. Goals from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock for Newcastle were cancelled out by Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai's late equaliser for Liverpool.

Japan aims for cricket growth with historic India T20 match

Japan aims for cricket growth with historic India T20 match

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Japan's cricket captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and all-rounder Charlie Hara-Hinze believe the upcoming historic T20 match against India on September 22 can serve as a crucial springboard for the sustained growth of cricket in Japan, a country traditionally dominated by baseball.

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo fuels retirement talk as 1,000-goal milestone draws near

Cristiano Ronaldo fuels retirement talk as 1,000-goal milestone draws near

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation about his retirement plans after saying the upcoming year will probably be the last of his playing career.

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.

Why is Bhutia angry over India's Brazil match?

Why is Bhutia angry over India's Brazil match?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation's decision to field two separate teams for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and an international friendly against Brazil has sparked controversy.

'FIFA President Gianni Infantino Must Resign Now'

'FIFA President Gianni Infantino Must Resign Now'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) President Lise Klaveness has called for the immediate resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating he 'does not have the institutional trust required to govern FIFA stably' and that 'there is no going back for Gianni Infantino'.

Tata Steel Details Player Support After Jamshedpur FC's ISL Withdrawal

Tata Steel Details Player Support After Jamshedpur FC's ISL Withdrawal

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Tata Steel has confirmed that Jamshedpur FC will honour all existing player contracts and assist footballers in finding new clubs following its withdrawal from the Indian Super League. The company also clarified that its commitment to grassroots football and youth development in Jamshedpur remains strong, with no plans to relocate the club's operations.

East Bengal FC secure historic back-to-back AFC Women's Champions League berth

East Bengal FC secure historic back-to-back AFC Women's Champions League berth

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

East Bengal FC's women's team defeated Sabah FA 2-0 to secure their place in the AFC Women's Champions League Group Stage for the second consecutive time, a historic first for an Indian club. Goals from Olivia Anokye and Soumya Guguloth sealed their victory, topping Group A with a perfect record.

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India's coach Sjoerd Marijne has criticised the tight scheduling at the FIH World Cup, particularly after his team's 0-2 loss to the Netherlands, citing the burden of playing on consecutive days.

Infantino's Re-election Bid in Jeopardy as Federations Withdraw Support

Infantino's Re-election Bid in Jeopardy as Federations Withdraw Support

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The national football federations of Serbia, Sweden, and Wales have withdrawn their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid, with England's FA also expected to follow suit, intensifying the backlash against him following a failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

FC Goa face tricky AFC Challenge League group

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

FC Goa has been drawn into a challenging group for the AFC Challenge League 2026-27, Asia's third-tier men's club competition. They will face Qadsia SC of Kuwait, Fortis FC of Bangladesh, and FC Regar-TadAZ of Tajikistan in Group C, with matches hosted in Kuwait. This follows their recent exit from the AFC Champions League 2 preliminary stage.

Chhetri's Anguish: Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit A 'Punch In The Gut'

Chhetri's Anguish: Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit A 'Punch In The Gut'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has voiced his deep disappointment over Jamshedpur FC's decision to withdraw from the upcoming Indian Super League season. Describing the move as "a punch in the gut," Chhetri urged the Tata Group, owners of the club, to reconsider, highlighting their crucial role in Indian football development. The club's withdrawal, influenced by a new AIFF administrative fee, means the ISL will proceed with 13 teams.

India's Women's Football Team Dominates To Win SAFF Championship

India's Women's Football Team Dominates To Win SAFF Championship

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

India's women's football team secured their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title, and their first in seven years, by defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final. The team maintained an all-win record throughout the tournament, scoring 18 goals and conceding only one, showcasing a dominant performance.

Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's Father And Former Agent, Dies Aged 68

Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's Father And Former Agent, Dies Aged 68

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Jorge Messi, father of football icon Lionel Messi and his long-time representative, has passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness. He was a crucial pillar of support throughout his son's career, from his early days at Barcelona to his current stint with Inter Miami.

SAFF Football: India women open campaign with emphatic win over Maldives

SAFF Football: India women open campaign with emphatic win over Maldives

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Title contenders India made an emphatic start in the SAFF Women's Football Championship as they pumped in goals for fun to notch a crushing 11-0 win over Maldives in the tournament opener in Margao on Monday.

Star Strikers Mbappe And Haaland Shine As Champions League Kicks Off

Star Strikers Mbappe And Haaland Shine As Champions League Kicks Off

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The new Champions League season kicked off with star performances from Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, securing wins for Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively. Jose Mourinho's Madrid overcame Inter Milan, while City defeated Porto. Other matches saw Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Aston Villa, and AEK Athens also claim victories.

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

'Stop the Game': Irish footballers, celebrities demand Israel boycott

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Irish footballers, celebrities and campaigners have urged the FAI to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, citing the Gaza conflict and alleged breaches of FIFA and UEFA statutes.

Blue Colts Triumph In Friendly Ahead Of AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Blue Colts Triumph In Friendly Ahead Of AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The India Under-20 men's football team secured a 1-0 victory over Yemen in their second friendly match in Bengaluru. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scored the decisive goal. This win comes as the Blue Colts prepare for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan, scheduled from August 31 to September 6.

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Afghan women footballers get FIFA boost after exile

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

FIFA has approved a rule change allowing Afghan women footballers, many exiled since the Taliban's return, to play official international matches in FIFA competitions.

Champions League: Real Madrid, Manchester City off to winning starts

Champions League: Real Madrid, Manchester City off to winning starts

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Real Madrid, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Aston Villa, and AEK Athens all secured victories in their opening Champions League matches.

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.

AIFF in trouble? Brazil clash creates ASEAN Cup mess

AIFF in trouble? Brazil clash creates ASEAN Cup mess

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is in a difficult situation regarding India's participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and a proposed friendly against Brazil, as both events clash on October 3. FIFA regulations prohibit fielding an understrength team in a sanctioned competition, forcing the AIFF to seek clarification from FIFA on its plan for separate squads.

South Korea FA apologises for alleged 'sexual services' to foreign referees

South Korea FA apologises for alleged 'sexual services' to foreign referees

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

South Korea's national football association has issued a deep apology following a media report alleging it provided 'sexual services' to foreign referees during international matches over a decade ago, specifically in 2011 and 2012.

Asian Games 2026: Star-studded India ready to make mark

Asian Games 2026: Star-studded India ready to make mark

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India is set to field a strong contingent at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with key athletes like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain leading the charge to defend titles in cricket, kabaddi, and men's hockey.

Manchester City's new head coach Maresca faces a monumental EPL challenge

Manchester City's new head coach Maresca faces a monumental EPL challenge

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Manchester City enter a challenging post-Guardiola era, with Enzo Maresca tasked with preserving their dominance, managing squad changes and meeting immense expectations in a fiercely competitive Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Georgina Rodriguez In Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Georgina Rodriguez In Portugal

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez in a private civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal.

'A Big Blow To Infantino': Former FIFA VP Jim Boyce Slams 'Ludicrous' World Cup Stake Sale Plan

'A Big Blow To Infantino': Former FIFA VP Jim Boyce Slams 'Ludicrous' World Cup Stake Sale Plan

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Former FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has strongly criticised President Gianni Infantino's abandoned plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, labelling the proposal 'ludicrous' and urging FIFA to prioritise the interests of fans over profit.

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.

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

FIFPRO Slams Infantino for 'Profound Abuse of Power' Over World Cup Privatisation Plan

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The global players' union, FIFPRO, has strongly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of 'profound abuse of presidential power' following the secretive development and subsequent shelving of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which aimed to privatise the FIFA World Cup.

East Bengal eye Durand Cup semis after AFC Champions League win

East Bengal eye Durand Cup semis after AFC Champions League win

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

East Bengal, fresh from their AFC Champions League Two qualifying play-off victory, are set to face a formidable Indian Army Football Team in the Durand Cup quarterfinals. The match, crucial for a spot in the semi-finals, will test East Bengal's momentum against the Army's disciplined play. Another quarterfinal features unbeaten SC Delhi against debutants FC Raengdai.

Sunil Chhetri's Plea To Tata Group: Don't Shut Down Jamshedpur FC

Sunil Chhetri's Plea To Tata Group: Don't Shut Down Jamshedpur FC

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Former India captain Sunil Chhetri has publicly appealed to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw Indian Super League club Jamshedpur FC.

BJP Faces West Bengal Investment Test

BJP Faces West Bengal Investment Test

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

West Bengal could be the Bharatiya Janata Party's real test case of its business-friendly policies, points out Kanika Datta.

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

IIT Madras has launched "Phiball," a new three-team basketball game designed to be faster, more accessible, and tactically demanding. Inspired by Omegaball, Phiball is played on a circular court, forcing players to adapt to new strategies and constant defense, making it an intense experience with low setup costs.

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

IIT Madras has launched "Phiball," a new three-team basketball game designed to be faster, more accessible, and tactically demanding. Inspired by Omegaball, Phiball is played on a circular court, forcing players to adapt to new strategies and constant defense, making it an intense experience with low setup costs.

German Footballers Step Up To Cover Fan Travel Costs

German Footballers Step Up To Cover Fan Travel Costs

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

German national team players are reportedly funding bus transport for 600 fans to their final World Cup Group E game against Ecuador in New Jersey, addressing concerns over significantly increased public transport costs during the tournament.

Who Could Replace FIFA President Infantino In 2027: Top Candidates

Who Could Replace FIFA President Infantino In 2027: Top Candidates

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid is facing significant challenges as several national football federations, including Serbia, Sweden, and Wales, have withdrawn their support.