News for 'indian football'

Indian Teqball Pair Exits Asian Games After Group Stage Losses

Indian Teqball Pair Exits Asian Games After Group Stage Losses

Rediff.com3 days ago

Indian Teqball players Declan Marshall Gonsalves and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg were eliminated from the men's doubles medal race at the Asian Games in Nagoya after losing both their group matches. Despite strong domestic and some international success, the duo could not secure a win in their debut Asian Games appearance for the sport.

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Sunil Chhetri 'a little jealous' as India prepares for Brazil, Uruguay clashes

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri expressed a mix of excitement and 'a little jealousy' about the national team's unprecedented opportunity to play against football giants Brazil and Uruguay in October 2026, an experience he never had in his two-decade career.

From Bad To Worse: How Indian Football Fared In 2025

From Bad To Worse: How Indian Football Fared In 2025

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Indian football remained in a state of terminal decline after experiencing arguably its darkest phase in a year marked by severe administrative crisis, court hearings, financial issues, absence of domestic leagues, and a steep decline in performance of the senior men's team.

AFC bans Mohun Bagan amid Indian football chaos

AFC bans Mohun Bagan amid Indian football chaos

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

At a time when Indian football is staring at unprecedented uncertainty with its domestic season in limbo, the Asian Football Confederation on Wednesday delivered a triple blow to the country's top club

East Bengal urges PM Modi to save Indian football

East Bengal urges PM Modi to save Indian football

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Concerned about Indian football's "decline for many years", East Bengal, one of the country's oldest clubs, on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's urgent intervention to address the "unprecedented crisis"

AIFF Unveils Ambitious Plans For Indian Women's League

AIFF Unveils Ambitious Plans For Indian Women's League

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the new season of the Indian Women's League (IWL) will commence in October, alongside IWL 2. The federation also revealed significant changes including higher coaching licence requirements, revised disciplinary rules, and an ambitious long-term expansion strategy aiming for 12 teams by 2032 to professionalise women's football in India.

Historic Qualification: India's U20 Football Team Secures AFC Asian Cup Berth

Historic Qualification: India's U20 Football Team Secures AFC Asian Cup Berth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

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.

Sunil Chhetri Expresses 'Jealousy' Over India's Upcoming Matches Against Brazil And Uruguay

Sunil Chhetri Expresses 'Jealousy' Over India's Upcoming Matches Against Brazil And Uruguay

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Former India captain Sunil Chhetri admitted to feeling "a little jealous" about the current national team getting the chance to play against footballing powerhouses Brazil and Uruguay, an opportunity he never had during his extensive international career. He expressed excitement for the team while also backing the coach's selection decisions and encouraging the young talent.

Emami Group Concludes Investment In East Bengal FC, Shifts To Sponsorship Role

Emami Group Concludes Investment In East Bengal FC, Shifts To Sponsorship Role

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Emami Group has officially concluded its role as an investor and manager in East Bengal Football Club, transferring all shares and voting rights back to the club. The group will, however, continue its association with East Bengal FC as a sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to Indian football. This transition follows a successful period for the club under Emami's ownership, marked by significant victories for both men's and women's teams.

From 102 to 142: Indian football hits new low

From 102 to 142: Indian football hits new low

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Indian football team drops six places to 142nd in FIFA rankings after 0-1 loss to Bangladesh

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Set To Kick Off

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will commence on July 25 and conclude on August 23. This edition will feature 24 teams, including two foreign sides, with matches spread across five cities, including debutant host Ranchi. The tournament continues to be a vital platform for Indian football talent.

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Indian Men's Football Team Set For Historic New Zealand Tour

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

The Indian men's football team will embark on its first-ever tour of New Zealand in November for two international friendlies. This historic visit, part of '100 Years of Unity Through Sport' initiatives, marks India's return to an Oceania Football Confederation nation after nearly two decades and offers a valuable challenge against a FIFA World Cup-experienced side.

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Nepal-born Abneet Bharti Called Up To Indian Football Camp

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has joined the Indian senior men's team camp in Kochi ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, pending FIFA clearance.

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

AIFF Announces Discounted Tickets For India's FIFA Tier-1 Friendlies

Rediff.com3 days ago

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.

Blue Tigers To Face World Cup Nation Panama In Bengaluru

Blue Tigers To Face World Cup Nation Panama In Bengaluru

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Indian senior men's football team will play an international friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 26. This match against a FIFA World Cup-playing nation will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers, marking their return to Bengaluru after their SAFF Championship 2023 victory.

'Play Well And Shine': PM Modi's Message To Indian Asian Games Contingent

'Play Well And Shine': PM Modi's Message To Indian Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com1 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Indian football awakening? Ex-Aussie star joins camp!

Indian football awakening? Ex-Aussie star joins camp!

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Williams, Bharti join camp, signalling new chapter for Indian football

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.

Current situation of Indian football very concerning: Chhetri

Current situation of Indian football very concerning: Chhetri

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Sunil Chhetri said the current state of uncertainty in Indian football is very concerning and the sport's ecosystem is 'worried, hurt, and scared' by the top-tier ISL being put on hold indefinitely.

Indian football's slump continues with Bangla defeat

Indian football's slump continues with Bangla defeat

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Indian football team suffers embarrassing 0-1 loss to Bangladesh in Asian Cup qualifiers

'The sooner ISL starts, the better for Indian football'

'The sooner ISL starts, the better for Indian football'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

India have slumped to 142 in the FIFA rankings -- their lowest in nearly a decade.

Star-Studded Brazil Squad Set For Landmark India Match

Star-Studded Brazil Squad Set For Landmark India Match

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Brazil has announced its 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for a historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. This landmark fixture follows Brazil's Australia tour and promises a grand spectacle for Indian football fans.

Yohaan Benjamin's European Dream Takes Shape With Guarda FC Signing

Yohaan Benjamin's European Dream Takes Shape With Guarda FC Signing

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Mumbai-born Indian youth international Yohaan Benjamin has signed a two-year deal with Portuguese club Guarda FC, marking a significant step in his European football career. This move aligns with Guarda FC's strategy to develop talent from emerging football markets like India. Benjamin, a midfielder, previously played for Shillong Lajong, where he achieved success in the Shillong Premier League.

Kolkata Fans Snap Up India-Brazil Friendly Tickets

Kolkata Fans Snap Up India-Brazil Friendly Tickets

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Kolkata's passionate football fans have shown immense enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil friendly, with lower-priced tickets selling out within an hour of going online. India is set to play five-time world champions Brazil on October 3, followed by a match against two-time world champions Uruguay, providing a significant test for the Indian squad ahead of crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.

Indian football shake-up: ISL clubs want full control

Indian football shake-up: ISL clubs want full control

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Friday formally proposed a fundamental restructuring of the country's top-tier professional football league, seeking perpetual operational and commercial rights for a club-owned league model while retaining the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as the sport's regulator.

'Our anger has turned into desperation': Indian footballers demand ISL revival

'Our anger has turned into desperation': Indian footballers demand ISL revival

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

India's distressed football players issued a joint statement on Tuesday pleading with the administrators to get the currently paused Indian Super League (ISL) season underway.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

Vini Jr, Raphinha among Brazil's stars coming to India

Vini Jr, Raphinha among Brazil's stars coming to India

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.

19-year-old student's Xavi prank shocks Indian football

19-year-old student's Xavi prank shocks Indian football

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A 19-year-old student from Vellore Institute of Technology said he sent the prank mail posing as Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, applying for the head coach position of the Indian football team.

Tata Steel Explains Why Jamshedpur FC Pulled Out of the ISL

Tata Steel Explains Why Jamshedpur FC Pulled Out of the ISL

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC's withdrawal from the Indian Super League was a pre-planned strategic decision to refocus on grassroots football development, independent of the league's commercial uncertainties, according to Tata Steel Vice President D B Sundara Raman.

AIFF Names Anthony Andrews As India U17 Women's Assistant Coach

AIFF Names Anthony Andrews As India U17 Women's Assistant Coach

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Anthony Andrews, a highly successful coach in Indian women's football, has been appointed as the assistant coach for the India U17 women's national team. He will continue his dual role with East Bengal FC while preparing the Young Tigresses for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.

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.

Brazil Legend Cafu Sees India Friendly As Key Learning Opportunity

Brazil Legend Cafu Sees India Friendly As Key Learning Opportunity

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Brazil's legendary captain Cafu advises the Indian national football team to view their upcoming friendly match against five-time world champions Brazil as a crucial learning experience for future World Cup cycles, rather than just a spectacle. He highlights Brazil's strong connection with Kolkata and identifies promising young Brazilian talents for the future.

Indian Athletes Face Cramped Rooms, Long Waits At Asian Games

Indian Athletes Face Cramped Rooms, Long Waits At Asian Games

Rediff.com3 days ago

Indian athletes at the Asian Games in Nagoya are facing significant accommodation challenges, including cramped rooms on a cruise ship and long waits for check-in. The host nation's athletes are also affected, with complaints about shared rooms and general mismanagement. Organisers have opted against a traditional Athletes Village, leading to athletes travelling long distances for training, further exacerbating the logistical issues ahead of the mega-event.

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.

'We Are Adjusting': Indian Athletes Face Cramped Rooms at Asian Games

'We Are Adjusting': Indian Athletes Face Cramped Rooms at Asian Games

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's Asian Games contingent faces accommodation issues at Costa Serena, as athletes report cramped rooms and long delays amid organisational chaos.

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.

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.

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.