At midnight of independence day, when the whole of India was sleeping with dreams; everything shattered for them just once. The biggest Indian football news came along the way as FIFA bans AIFF or the All India Football Federation.

"The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes," an official statement said.

"The suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF's daily affairs," the statement added.

Why has FIFA banned the All India Football Federation?

After the Supreme court removed Praful Patel from the presidency post, they have given the full power to CoA to run the All India Football Federation. This is the first time in the association's85-year olf history that CoA will be taking care of the association. The Supreme court made CoA consists of Bhaskar Ganguly, SY Qureshi and Anil Dave.

Now, according to FIFA, this is a 'third-party interference' in football operations. Therefore it violates their rules and guidelines. That is why they have decided to ban the All India Football Federation.

Read Also: Is Indian football ready for a Sunil Chhetri retirement? Who can replace him?

What are the results of the FIFA ban on Indian football?

As per FIFA, "The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022™, scheduled to take place in India on 11-30 October 2022, cannot currently be held in India as planned. FIFA is assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary. FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved."

So, this means till the ban gets lifted India will be barred from participating in any of the International matches. Indian National Teams cannot play any junior or senior international games across the two genders during the ban while Indian clubs cannot participate in AFC Women Club Championship, AFC Cup and AFC Champions League competitions. Moreover, India's chance of hosting the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 is under threat as well.

Read Also: Igor Stimac criticizes Indian Super League, claims 'ISL is comfort football'

When and how can the FIFA ban be lifted?

"The suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF's daily affairs," the official statement from FIFA stated.

That means, till the time AIFF gets their full control back, the ban will continue.

Are there any instances when a country was banned by FIFA?

Yes, there have been a few occasions when FIFA banned football associations due to violations of their rules and regulations. The International Federation of Association Football is very strict with its rules. In 2014, they banned the Indonesian football federation for a year as there was a fight between the sports ministry and football association on who was in power to run the sport in the country.

Later in 2015, Kuwait Football Association was banned by FIFA after their government had taken the power of the football federation to exist independently. Just like India, Zimbabwe and Kenya were also banned by FIFA due to third-party interference.

For more latest Indian Football news, stay tuned with us.

National Football team coach Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Manolo Marquez, who could not even beat a weak team like Hong Kong, which is 26th behind the Indian team in the FIFA rankings, mailed his resignation to the federation the night after the match. The federation has decided to officially announce the resignation of the national coach around Wednesday afternoon.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

India’s hopes of qualifying are now precarious

Indian men’s football has endured a challenging 18 months, marked by a single victory in 16 matches since the start of 2024. A 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday exacerbated the situation, bringing the team’s struggles into sharp focus.

Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimac’s successor, Manolo Marquez, have intensified after a string of demoralising losses, including three consecutive goalless games against Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong, leaving fans questioning the team’s ability. India’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquez’s future.

Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation

Rumours of Marquez’s potential resignation had already started doing the rounds as sources suggest that the Spaniard, who replaced Stimac in July 2024, is contemplating stepping down within a year of his appointment.

However, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) source confirmed Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation. The federation awaits official communication from him regarding his intentions but that too many not be simple.

“He can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source said.

“We have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," the source added.

India must win their remaining four matches

India must win their remaining four matches to maintain any hope of qualification, currently languishing at the bottom of their group. While home and away fixtures against Singapore are scheduled for the October international break, Marquez’s presence for those games remains uncertain.

Head coach Manolo Márquez announces 28-member Blue Tigers travelling squad for Thailand friendly on May 28, 2025. All the 28 players, who are currently a part of the ongoing camp in Kolkata, will travel to Thailand for the FIFA friendly for the June 4 fixture.

With a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on the horizon, the Indian Men's National Football Team is gearing up for a significant test. The squad will leave for Thailand on Wednesday evening for their friendly on June 4, at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani at 18:00 IST.

Subsequently, the team will depart for Hong Kong on the next day (June 5) for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round fixture.

Kolkata: The Blue Tigers' pre-Thailand training hub

The Blue Tigers' intensive training camp kicked off in Kolkata on May 19. The men in Blue underwent six full days of structured training and gym sessions. These were focused on refining patterns, defensive organisation, attacking transitions, and all other crucial elements for the gameplay.

A highlight of the camp was the inclusion of two practice matches:

• On May 26, the Blue Tigers faced Santosh Trophy Champions Bengal, securing a 2-1 victory. (goal scorers: Brandon Fernandes and Ashique Kuruniyan)
• On May 27, they faced North 24 Parganas, securing a 3-0 victory. (goal scorers: Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Udanta Singh Kumam)

Blue Tigers’ 28-member squad for the FIFA Friendly against Thailand

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, Amrinder Singh.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Anwar Ali, Boris Singh Thangjam, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Abhishek Singh Tekcham.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Head Coach: Manolo Márquez

Assistant Coach: Mahesh Gawali

Assistant Coach: Benito Montalvo

Goalkeeper Coach: Marc Gamon

Strength and Conditioning Coach: José Carlos Barroso

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Rahul KP, the dynamic winger of Odisha FC, has been extended a prestigious invitation to represent English Premier League powerhouse West Ham United in the highly anticipated summer edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.

This is the first time in Indian football history that an Indian player will represent a top-division English Premier League club men’s team. This is a monumental achievement not only for Rahul's burgeoning career and Odisha FC but also for the continued growth and recognition of the state of Odisha and Indian football on the international stage.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The tournament boasts a diverse international roster, with participating teams and players hailing from countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and India. The star-studded event will notably feature teams led by legendary footballers such as Luis Nani, Sergio Agüero, and Hope Solo.

Rahul KP will join a distinguished West Ham United squad that includes notable personalities like actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin, former Argentina international Mauro Zárate, and several professional athletes who have represented the United States in the World Indoor Football Cup.

The three group stage games featuring West Ham United will be broadcast live on YouTube channels. Additionally, these matches will be televised live on ESPN.

US President Donald Trump has made a claim that the FIFA 2026 World Cup could help end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shut down the war. The Russian national football team has been banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump, during his 2024 campaign, vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the first day back in. But his efforts to broker a deal between the countries have so far stuttered.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Trump was unaware of the ban

Trump was questioned about the possible participation of Russia at next year's World Cup. Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

During the meeting at the White House, a reporter asked the president for his stance on the ban, which was part of global sporting sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Trump said, "I didn't know that, is that right? You want to explain that?"

"That is right," replied Infantino. "They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted."

Trump on Russia-Ukraine war

The United States are hosting the World Cup next year along with Canada and Mexico but Russia are currently banned by both FIFA and UEFA from participating in international competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has now said that reinstating Russia for the tournament could help end the war in Ukraine, feeling that it ‘could be a good incentive’ for Putin.

Also Read: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina

"That's possible. Hey, could be a good incentive, right?" Trump replied to Infantino.

"We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. 5,000 people a week are being killed -- it's not even believable. We're going to get that war stopped."

Russia haven't played a competitive fixture since a 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Croatia in November 2021. They have played 16 friendlies since then, winning 11 of them.

The AFC Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier club football competition, has been a stage for unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries since its inception in 1967. From Hapoel Tel Aviv’s inaugural triumph to Al-Ahli’s recent success in 2024-25, the tournament has crowned champions from diverse nations, showcasing Asia's footballing prowess. Here is an overview of the ACL winners from 1967 to 2025.

CAPTAIN ROBERTO FIRMINO!!!

Bobby Firmino lifts the AFC Champions League with Al-Alhi after assisting both goals in the Final. He also won Player of the Tournament registering 13 G/A in 10 starts!

🇧🇷🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/apBaRtCaKR

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) May 3, 2025

AFC Champions League Winners List

Early Years: Israeli and Iranian Dominance (1967–1971)

The ACL, initially known as the Asian Champion Club Tournament, saw Israeli clubs dominate early on, with Hapoel Tel Aviv (1967) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (1969, 1971) winning three of the first four titles. Taj Tehran (1970) marked Iran’s first success in the tournament.

• 1967: Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Selangor (Malaysia)
• 1969: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Yangzee FC (South Korea)
• 1970: Taj Tehran (Iran) defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)
• 1971: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Aliyat Al-Shorta (Iraq)

The tournament was cancelled in the 1972 season for various reasons, and till 1985, the tournament did not take place. In the 1985 season, the tournament returned with a rebranded name, "Asian Club Championship".

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Resurgence and East Asian Rise (1985–1999)

When the competition resumed in 1985, South Korean and Japanese clubs emerged as powerhouses. Daewoo Royals (1985–86), Furukawa Electric (1986), and Yomiuri FC (1987) set the tone, while Pohang Steelers (1996–97, 1997–98) and Jubilo Iwata (1998–99) solidified East Asia’s dominance.

• 1985–86: Daewoo Royals (South Korea) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 1986: Furukawa Electric (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 1987: Yomiuri FC (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 1988–89: Al-Sadd (Qatar) defeated Al-Rasheed (Iraq)
• 1989–90: Liaoning (China) defeated Nissan Yokohama FC (Japan)
• 1990–91: Esteghlal (Iran) defeated Liaoning (China)
• 1991: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Esteghlal (Iran)
• 1992–93: PAS Tehran (Iran) defeated Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia)
• 1993–94: Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) defeated Oman Club (Oman)
• 1994–95: Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) defeated Al-Arabi (Qatar)
• 1995: Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) defeated Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
• 1996–97: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
• 1997–98: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Dalian Wanda (China)
• 1998–99: Jubilo Iwata (Japan) defeated Esteghlal (Iran)
• 1999–2000: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

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Modern Era: South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia Shine (2000–2022)

The 21st century saw South Korean clubs like Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2000–01, 2001–02), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2006, 2016), and Ulsan Hyundai (2012, 2020) dominate, alongside Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds (2007, 2017, 2022).

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad (2004, 2005) and Al-Hilal (2019, 2021) also claimed multiple titles, while Al-Ain (2002–03, 2023–24) and Guangzhou Evergrande (2013, 2015) added to the UAE and China’s tally.

• 2000–01: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Jubilo Iwata (Japan)
• 2001–02: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Anyang LG Cheetahs (South Korea)
• 2002–03: Al-Ain (UAE) defeated BEC Tero Sasana (Thailand)
• 2004: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) defeated Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
• 2005: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) defeated Al-Ain (UAE)
• 2006: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) defeated Al-Karamah (Syria)
• 2007: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Sepahan (Iran)
• 2008: Gamba Osaka (Japan) defeated Adelaide United (Australia)
• 2009: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
• 2010: Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) defeated Zob Ahan (Iran)
• 2011: Al-Sadd (Qatar) defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea)
• 2012: Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 2013: Guangzhou Evergrande (China) defeated FC Seoul (South Korea)
• 2014: Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 2015: Guangzhou Evergrande (China) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 2016: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) defeated Al-Ain (UAE)
• 2017: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 2018: Kashima Antlers (Japan) defeated Persepolis (Iran)
• 2019: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
• 2020: Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) defeated Persepolis (Iran)
• 2021: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
• 2022: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

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Recent Glory: UAE and Saudi Arabia Triumph (2023–2025)

Al-Ain in the 2023–24 reclaimed glory for the UAE, defeating Yokohama F. Marinos. Al-Ahli in the 2024–25 season ended Saudi Arabia’s title drought with a victory over Kawasaki Frontale, reinforcing the region’s competitive edge.

• 2023–24: Al-Ain (UAE) defeated Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)
• 2024–25: Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) defeated Kawasaki Frontale (Japan)

Dominant Clubs and Nations

1. South Korea: They lead with 12 titles. Pohang Steelers (3), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2), Ulsan Hyundai (2), and Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2) are the most successful clubs from South Korea.
2. Japan: Japan have 8 titles, with Urawa Red Diamonds (3) and single wins from Jubilo Iwata, Gamba Osaka, Kashima Antlers, and others.
3. Saudi Arabia: Saudi have 7 titles, with Al-Hilal (4), Al-Ittihad (2), and Al-Ahli (1) winning the most for them
4. Iran, UAE, China: Each has 4 titles, with notable contributions from Esteghlal, Al-Ain, and Guangzhou Evergrande.
5. Thailand, Qatar, Israel: Each secured 2 titles, with Thai Farmers Bank, Al-Sadd, and Maccabi Tel Aviv standing out.

Most successful clubs in AFC Champions League History