Football News - Page 3

The committee also ruled that Mohun Bagan would forfeit all subsidies linked to their participation in the 2025-26 ACL Two season

Mohun Bagan slapped with AFC ban and $1,00,729 fine

December 18, 2025 01:02 IST

The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee ruled the reigning Indian Super League champions wrongfully withdrew from the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two following their refusal to travel to Iran for a group-stage match against Sepahan SC and handed one-season ban from AFC competition.

India's domestic football has effectively come to a standstill, with no official broadcast partner in place and both the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League yet to commence.

No willingness to invest in Indian football but crores spent on Messi tour: Sandesh Jhingan

December 18, 2025 00:56 IST

The India skipper said the unprecedented public response to the tour headlined by Lionel Messi alongside Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez, revealed nation's priorities.

Amid ticket-price protests, FIFA announces 50 per cent spike in World Cup prize-fund

December 17, 2025 20:38 IST

The winner of the 2026 World Cup would grab $50 million; runner’s up stand to gain $33 million

(Left to right) FIFA President Gianni Infantino, US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney smile during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Dan Mullan/Pool Photo via AP)

How much will cheapest Football World Cup tickets cost? After global fan backlash, FIFA reduces costs of some tickets

December 17, 2025 10:47 IST

This means that some fans will be able to see FIFA World Cup final at a price of just $60 (approximately Rs 5400) rather than the earlier anticipated $4,185.

Lionel Messi fans at Arun Jaitley Stadium chanted ‘AQI, AQI’ when Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta got on the stage. (Express photo by Abhinav Saha)

‘AQI, AQI’ chorus as Delhi CM arrives for Messi event amid spike in air pollution

December 16, 2025 10:51 IST

The foggy conditions also played a role in Messi's charter flight to the capital getting delayed. Scheduled to land at 10.45 am, he touched down at 2.30 pm resulting in him reaching the venue at 4:30pm.

What fans braved for a glimpse of Lionel Messi: Moving on crutches, taking 6 am train after completing night shift & travelling 36 hours

December 16, 2025 00:07 IST

It's hardly a surprise that many die-hard fans travelled long distances, sacrificed sleep, endured pain, and often paid a price normally beyond their means to watch their idol Lionel Messi in the flesh. The Indian Express talked to a few of them to know what the experience meant for them.

Sunil Chhetri says injury nearly prevented him from meeting Lionel Messi: ‘Almost didn’t make the trip to Mumbai’

December 15, 2025 22:06 IST

The Indian footballer also shared that he almost didn't make it to the event die to an injury but ultimately the fan in him won over and he took part in the memorable evening where the Argentine star also shared the stage with Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar.

Lionel Messi's arrival in the national capital was delayed by the adverse weather conditions in New Delhi on Monday. (Express Photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee/Pritish Raj)

Lionel Messi’s flight from Mumbai to Delhi delayed, meeting with PM Narendra Modi cancelled

December 15, 2025 14:29 IST

Lionel Messi's proposed meeting with the Prime Minister in Delhi also stood cancelled on Monday, with PM Narendra Modi embarking on a four-day visit to three countries.

Lionel Messi waves at fans along with his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, as part of Messi's India tour. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirshekar)

Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Che Guevara: How two different countries found same heroesSubscriber Only

December 15, 2025 09:10 IST

From the revolutionary leader who arrived in India in 1959 to the two football superstars, India has adored the Argentinians and the story was no different when Messi came calling

Sunday's game was the first between Palace and City since the FA Cup final, when the Manchester side failed to convert their chances and the Eagles' early goal was enough for a famous triumph. (Reuters Photo)

Manchester City keep pressure on Arsenal with 3-0 win at Crystal Palace

December 15, 2025 00:47 IST

Manchester City had offered little, except for Foden testing goalkeeper Dean Henderson from a free-kick, before Haaland met Matheus Nunes' inviting cross with an unstoppable header in the 41st minute from his first sight of goal.

Thousands in the stands wore No.10 -- Sachin Tendulkar's number in these parts. But tonight it was for another No.10 -- the global sporting superstar Lionel Messi. (Express Photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)

Lionel Messi, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Chhetri — One evening that turned Wankhede into a football coliseum

December 15, 2025 10:56 IST

On Sunday, Mumbai got its Messi fill. The World Cup winner stepped onto the red carpet laid out for him at 5:51 pm, and his grand entry got the roof down.

Suarez was left jaw dropped; his expression frozen in disbelief, before a smile slowly followed. (Photo Credit: DD Sports screenshot)

When 13-year-old Tanishka nutmegged Luis Suarez in front of Lionel Messi: ‘He looked at me with a surprised expression’

December 14, 2025 22:54 IST

13-year-old Tanishka Kawade found herself with the ball at her feet. What followed was both instinctive and fearless - she nutmegged Luis Suarez.

Tendulkar said that he admired Messi's "dedication, determination, commitment". (Express Photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)

Sachin Tendulkar gifts Lionel Messi iconic 2011 World Cup winning jersey

December 14, 2025 21:12 IST

Sachin Tendulkar said that Lionel Messi's visit to the Wankhede Stadium is a "golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India".

‘I hope that he stays because he is one of my leaders’: Virgil van Djik on Mohammed Salah’s Liverpool future

December 14, 2025 20:56 IST

Salah recently returned to Liverpool's squad on Saturday after getting omitted from the Reds Champions League clash against inter Milan.

A graffiti of Lionel Messi in Mumbai, drawn by artist Mooz Graffiti. (Express Photo/Sankhadeep Banerjee)

Messi in Mumbai – 5:37 pm, enters Wankhede stadium; 6:40 pm, football with Tendulkar and Chhetri

December 14, 2025 13:20 IST

Lionel Messi is expected to arrive at the Wankhede Stadium shortly after 5.35 pm, with a full house set to get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the global icon live.

After the final whistle, Salah applauded all four sides of Anfield — like some of his other teammates. (AP Photo)

Arne Slot says ‘no issue’ with Mohamed Salah after Egypt star recalled for Liverpool win

December 14, 2025 01:48 IST

In an explosive outburst last weekend, Salah told reporters his relationship with Slot had broken down after being dropped for three straight games and that he felt like “someone doesn’t want me in the club".

Salah was heavily involved from the moment he stepped on the pitch and got an assist in the 60th minute when his pinpoint corner to the back post found Ekitike who headed home Liverpool's first league goal from a corner this season. (AP Photo)

Mohamed Salah records landmark assist for Liverpool in Brighton win after a turbulent week

December 14, 2025 01:41 IST

Salah, whose future was plunged into doubt following his scathing criticism of Slot and the club a week ago, came on to a standing ovation and loud applause as a 26th-minute substitute after an injury to Gomez.

The result lifted Chelsea to 28 points, five behind leaders Arsenal, who host bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers later on Saturday (AP Photo)

Chelsea return to Premier League top four with 2-0 home win over Everton

December 14, 2025 01:36 IST

Cole Palmer, back in action this month after missing most of the season through injury, drilled the ball between goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and the near post after Gusto's pinpoint pass.

Messi, Suarez and de Paul took part in a GOAT Cup penalty shootout, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also turning up in football attires, and conducted football clinics with children. (PTI Photo)

Hyderabad leg of Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour of India goes uneventfully after Kolkata chaos

December 14, 2025 00:18 IST

Sporting a green colour crew neck half sleeve T-shirt, a black pant and a pair of sport shoes, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul wowed fans in Hyderabad.

Chaos ensued as soon as Messi exited the field. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

‘Disappointing that genuine fans didn’t get to see Messi’: Bhaichung Bhutia on chaotic start to GOAT Tour in Kolkata

December 13, 2025 22:24 IST

Baichung Bhutia said that the intentions behind the visit was good but the organisers should have done a better job at keeping "unwanted VIPs" at bay.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are escorted by security and flanked by local politicians and VIPs during the Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour inside the Salt Lake Stadium. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

Lionel Messi’s itinerary in Hyderabad revealed after chaos in Kolkata event which led to vandalism from angry fans

December 13, 2025 21:28 IST

After the vandalism encountered at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where fans also invaded the pitch and tired to burn the sofas for VIPs, the superstar flew to Hyderabad.

Angry fans in Kolkata invade the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi left after a brief appearance during the GOAT Tour. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

AIFF on Lionel Messi’s event in Kolkata: ‘AIFF was not involved, was private event organised by PR agency’

December 13, 2025 18:05 IST

As anger continues to simmer in Kolkata after Messi's brief appearance at Salt Lake Stadium, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that it had nothing to do with the event.

Fans storm the Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi's fleeting appearance on Saturday. (Express Photo by Sayak Dutta)

Messi tour Day 1: Chaos as angry fans ransack stadium in Kolkata; organiser held

December 14, 2025 09:37 IST

The incident happened after Messi left the field after only 20 minutes after arriving at the stadium at 11.30 AM via car.

Lionel Messi India GOAT Tour Live Updates

Lionel Messi GOAT Tour of India Live Updates: Lionel Messi meets Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai, presents No 10 jersey to Argentine icon

December 14, 2025 18:55 IST

Lionel Messi GOAT Tour of India Today Live News Updates: Angry fans, who had paid thousands for tickets, have lashed out at the organisers and the authorities after Messi left Salt Lake Stadium within minutes. Videos show fans vandalising and setting fire to sofas for VIPs.

For the first time at a World Cup, FSE said, there will be no consistent prices across all group-stage games, with FIFA instead introducing variable pricing based on opaque notions such as the "attractiveness" of a fixture.

Fan group urges FIFA to halt World Cup ticket sales over ‘extortionate’ prices

December 13, 2025 00:48 IST

In a statement on Thursday, the European fan umbrella group said prices for tickets allocated to Participating Member Associations (PMA) – typically distributed via official supporters' clubs or loyalty schemes – had reached "astronomical" levels.