News for 'The Football'

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.

Amit Bhatia-Jeff Bezos set to buy stake in Liverpool FC

Amit Bhatia-Jeff Bezos set to buy stake in Liverpool FC

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The consortium is being led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal and a former shareholder in English second-tier club Queens Park Rangers.

The 4 Biggest EPL Signings of 2026

The 4 Biggest EPL Signings of 2026

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Premier League once again led the global transfer market in 2026, with clubs making significant investments in top talent. This summer saw four major signings exceeding 100 million, including Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City, Bradley Barcola to Liverpool, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, and Elliot Anderson also to Manchester City, highlighting the league's financial power and ambition.

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.

Rodri's Ibiza Photo Sparks Hilarious Reactions

Rodri's Ibiza Photo Sparks Hilarious Reactions

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Manchester City midfielder Rodri's holiday photo from Ibiza went viral, drawing comparisons to the 'distracted boyfriend' meme.

Can reform in Mexican football break their FIFA World Cup 'curse'?

Can reform in Mexican football break their FIFA World Cup 'curse'?

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Mexico have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 for the last 32 years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, they hope to finally end the 'quinto partido' curse.

New deadline set as AIFF tries to save Jamshedpur FC

New deadline set as AIFF tries to save Jamshedpur FC

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation has extended the deadline for Jamshedpur FC to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the Indian Super League until August 12. This move comes as the AIFF reviews preparations for the upcoming ISL season, while Jamshedpur FC maintains its exit is a strategic decision focused on grassroots development, unrelated to the league's commercial future.

US Open unveils new way to watch 16 courts at once

US Open unveils new way to watch 16 courts at once

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

ESPN is launching "RedZone at the U.S. Open," a new streaming service designed to offer tennis fans simultaneous coverage of 16 courts, mirroring the successful NFL RedZone model. A dedicated broadcast team will curate the most important moments from August 30 to September 4, ensuring viewers catch all critical action.

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.

India U20 Men's Team Held To Draw By Yemen In Friendly Match

India U20 Men's Team Held To Draw By Yemen In Friendly Match

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The India U20 men's football team played a 0-0 draw against Yemen in the first of two friendly matches in Bengaluru, as part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.

Explained: How No-Confidence Vote Could Oust FIFA President Infantino?

Explained: How No-Confidence Vote Could Oust FIFA President Infantino?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

This article details the process and requirements for a vote of no confidence against the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, following challenges to his leadership.

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan's Facebook post criticising Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar's alleged anti-women remarks has disappeared, with the CMO citing a technical error. The incident has sparked political criticism from CPI(M) and BJP, who question the explanation and accuse the Congress of hypocrisy.

Veteran Roelof Van Der Merwe Targets Dream World Cup Finale

Veteran Roelof Van Der Merwe Targets Dream World Cup Finale

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

At 41, Roelof van der Merwe aims to conclude his international cricket career at the upcoming ODI World Cup, ideally in Centurion, South Africa, representing the Netherlands. He discusses his dedication to national duty over franchise cricket, his fitness goals for future World Cups, and his continued impact as a left-arm spinner and fielder. He also highlights the potential of the European T20 Premier League to unearth new talent.

Thanks to World Cup, hockey-mad Canada warming up to football

Thanks to World Cup, hockey-mad Canada warming up to football

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

'It's really easy to get into and the kids love it.'

Three goals in 17 minutes sink FC Goa in AFC Champions League Two clash

Three goals in 17 minutes sink FC Goa in AFC Champions League Two clash

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

FC Goa's AFC Champions League Two campaign concluded with a 0-3 loss to Turkmenistan's FC Arkadag, relegating the Indian club to the AFC Challenge League, the third tier of Asian club football.

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

AFC slams FIFA's $20bn World Cup plan as 'unacceptable'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa has strongly criticised FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, calling the lack of consultation "totally unacceptable". He stated that FIFA's unilateral actions undermine continental football and urged member federations to await further discussions before approving the $20 billion proposal.

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Jamshedpur FC to withdraw from ISL, focus on grassroots development

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Jamshedpur FC has announced its withdrawal from the Indian Super League (ISL) starting from the 2026-27 season, hours after missing a payment deadline. The club stated its commitment to promoting and developing football at the grassroots level in India. This comes amidst a new agreement between AIFF and ISL clubs for a club-led model of the league.

Joseph Sunny's brace powers SC Delhi To emphatic Durand Cup semifinal berth

Joseph Sunny's brace powers SC Delhi To emphatic Durand Cup semifinal berth

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

SC Delhi staged a remarkable second-half comeback, scoring five goals to defeat debutants FC Raengdai of Manipur 5-1 in the Durand Cup quarter-finals. After conceding an early goal, Joseph Sunny's brace, along with goals from Rodriguinho, Juan Sebastian Pena, and Augustine Lalrochana, secured their place in the semifinals.

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Players' Union Slams FIFA's 'Disturbing' $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Australia's players union has joined global criticism of FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup and other events, citing a lack of transparency and pressure on member associations to approve the $20 billion plan.

Mourinho issues blunt warning to Mbappe, Vini, Bellingham

Mourinho issues blunt warning to Mbappe, Vini, Bellingham

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Jose Mourinho, in his first Real Madrid press conference, emphasised non-negotiable commitment, unavoidable competition, and zero tolerance for selection frustrations, setting a clear tone for the upcoming LaLiga season.

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Infantino: World Cup stake sale 'an opportunity, not an obligation'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has clarified that the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup is a proposal and 'not an obligation', following strong criticism from regional football confederations who felt blindsided by the idea.

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Seventeen Indian sportspersons, including World Cup winning chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, and shuttler Gayatri Gopichand, have been named for the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2025.

Atletico Madrid CEO: Julian Alvarez will 'never, ever' be sold to Barcelona

Atletico Madrid CEO: Julian Alvarez will 'never, ever' be sold to Barcelona

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has vehemently rejected Barcelona's attempts to sign Julian Alvarez, accusing the Catalan club of dishonesty and stating that the Argentine forward will 'never, ever' be sold to them. This comes after Barcelona's president expressed continued interest in Alvarez.

'He Will Be Bigger Than Me': Cristiano Ronaldo On Son

'He Will Be Bigger Than Me': Cristiano Ronaldo On Son

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo was impressed by his 16-year-old son's dedication in training for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr youth team.

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.

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

FIFA U-turn! Infantino scraps World Cup stake sale

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday that the world soccer's governing body has abandoned its controversial plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, following widespread backlash from major confederations and internal dissent.

India's Football Team Bows Out Of Unity Cup After Loss To Jamaica

India's Football Team Bows Out Of Unity Cup After Loss To Jamaica

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian men's football team experienced a disappointing debut in the Unity Cup, losing 2-0 to Jamaica in the semi-finals held in London.

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Why FIFA's $20B Plan Has UEFA Up in Arms

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary for the World Cup, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors, aims to democratise global football finance but has been condemned by UEFA as selling the game's "soul."

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Infantino holds crisis meeting in Morocco as FIFA stake sale fallout continues

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with top officials in Morocco to address the fallout from his failed attempt to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, a move that has led to widespread criticism and calls for his removal.

India's Football Team Suffers Defeat Against Jamaica In Unity Cup

India's Football Team Suffers Defeat Against Jamaica In Unity Cup

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian men's national football team was defeated by Jamaica in the semifinal of the Unity Cup 2026, held in London. Jamaica will now proceed to the final, while India will compete for third place against Zimbabwe.

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Leadership Crisis After World Cup Rights U-Turn

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

UEFA and CONCACAF say they have lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body withdrew its controversial World Cup rights plan.

'Incredible' Mbappe has hunger to make Real Madrid history, says Mourinho

'Incredible' Mbappe has hunger to make Real Madrid history, says Mourinho

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Jose Mourinho praised Kylian Mbappe's relentless hunger to make history at Real Madrid after his hat-trick inspired a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at Santiago Bernabeu.

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.

Carlos Alcaraz returns from long injury layoff with US Open title defence in sight

Carlos Alcaraz returns from long injury layoff with US Open title defence in sight

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Carlos Alcaraz returns at the US Open after a four-month wrist injury layoff, aiming to defend his title and reignite his Grand Slam campaign.