Renato Augusto has described himself as a crybaby and hailed Neymar as “an extraterrestrial”. The 28-year-old was witnessed weeping as the national anthem played during Brazil’s triumphant Men’s Olympic Football Tournament campaign in August – and he’s not in denial. “I don’t choose to cry,” Renato explained to Globo. “I’ve always been a crybaby – I’m so emotional. I ... Read More »

Roberto Carlos has spoken of how amazing it is to represent Brazil and hailed his successor Marcelo as the best left-back in the world. The dynamite-booted wingback made his international debut as a teenager in 1992, helped A Seleção finish as runners-up and winners at back-to-back FIFA World Cups™, and retired with 125 caps – a total bettered only by ... Read More »

As Slovakia compete for a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, one of their players has already made it to Russia. During the summer, attacking midfielder Robert Mak moved from PAOK in Greece to Zenit Saint Petersburg and now, he is determined to get himself an invite to the country in 2018 alongside his team-mates in the national side. ... Read More »

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman has discussed Radamel Falcao’s form and praised forthcoming opponents Chile. The 30-year-old Monaco striker has returned to the Cafeteros squad for the first time in over a year for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifiers at home to La Roja and away to Argentina. “Falcao has always been a key player in the national team,” ... Read More »

The IFAB’s Annual Business Meeting (ABM) took place in London at Wembley Stadium today, chaired by Martin Glenn, Chief Executive of The Football Association. The meeting opened by acknowledging the historical role of The IFAB, whilst ensuring it continues to keep pace with modern digital and technological advancements. The most prominent topic on the agenda was that of the ongoing ... Read More »

At an official ceremony in Bulgaria‘s capital, Sofia, the Eurovita Sports Clinic and Prof. Dr Shoilev Hospital celebrated their official accreditation as one of the elite medical centres worldwide recognised by FIFA. Global football’s governing body accredits established centres that have demonstrated their leadership in football medicine. All centres undergo a strict selection process and accreditation is granted for a ... Read More »

FIFA can today confirm sanctions imposed on several football associations for incidents during recent 2018 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches, including the discriminatory and severe unsporting conduct of spectators as well as religious manifestations. Following match reports and, in some instances, additional evidence generated by the Anti-Discrimination Monitoring System, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against associations including [hyperlink to the disciplinary ... Read More »

Slovenia has its first FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence. The Institute of Sports Medicine (ISM) at the University of Maribor, the University Medical Centre Maribor, the Science and Research Centre at the University of Primorska and the National Football Centre in Brdo have received joint accreditation after FIFA evaluated the expertise and quality of care provided to elite and amateur ... Read More »

Didier Deschamps has explained his decision to recall Olivier Giroud and overlook Andre-Pierre Gignac, Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Martial for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifier against Sweden. The Arsenal forward missed out on the last France squad, but since returning from injury has scored three goals in his last two appearances for his club. “It’s logical that he’s ... Read More »

Silvio Gazzaniga, creator of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy, passed away today in his home city of Milan at the age of 95. “It’s with great sadness that I learned of the death of Silvio Gazzaniga,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. “He was the creator of a trophy, which is the most beautiful emblem that FIFA could dream of having ... Read More »