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FOOTBALL - FIFA News 01 Apr, 2022

Brazil new leaders of FIFA World Ranking

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Having already spent the longest time at the top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking (4,731 days), Brazil (1st, +1) returned to the summit in March 2022, five years after they were last there. Recent wins for the Seleçao over Chile (4-0 at home) and Bolivia (4-0 away) in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ enabled them to overtake Belgium, who had been in first place for the past three years but who failed to get the better of Republic of Ireland on 26 March, drawing 2-2 in a friendly. The March 2022 table is therefore a new chapter in rankings history, but more than that, it will be used to calculate the seeds for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Pot 1: Qatar (host nation), Brazil, Belgium, France, Argentina, England, Spain, Portugal Pot 2: Mexico, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Uruguay, Switzerland, USA, Croatia Pot 3: Senegal, Iran, Japan, Morocco, Serbia, Poland, Korea Republic, Tunisia Pot 4: Cameroon, Canada, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, winner of intercontinental play-off 1, winner of intercontinental play-off 2, winner of European play-off Belgium (2nd, -1) are now on the second step of the podium, ahead of France (3rd) who remain unchanged. Behind this top three, Argentina (4th), England (5th), Spain (7th) and Portugal (8th) are the next best placed teams with regard to the Draw, keeping in mind that Italy (6th) will be absent following their defeat in the play-off semi-final. Mexico (9th, +3) and Uruguay (13th, +3) are the biggest movers inside the top 20, while overall, it is Costa Rica (31st, +11) and then New Zealand (101st, +10) who have made the most progress. Also of note is the fact that Kosovo (107th, +2) have achieved their highest ever ranking to date.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 25 Mar, 2022

USA still in front, Philippines on the march

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-The first edition of the FIFA Women‘s World Ranking of 2022 has seen some notable movement, in part due to the traditional friendly tournaments in this period, but also because of the AFC Women‘s Asian Cup. All told, 146 women‘s internationals have been played over the last three months. Hosts and winners of the recent She-Believes Cup, United States (1st, -) continue to lead the way, even if the North Americans missed out on some ranking points in a surprising draw with Czech Republic. Sweden (2nd, -) took advantage of that slip and, on the back of their success at the Algarve Cup, closed the gap on the leaders to just over 22 points. France (3rd, +1) complete the podium after displacing Germany (4th, -1), thanks to Les Blues’ triumph at the Tournoi de France and the Nationalmannschaft inability to win a single game in the first edition of the Arnold Clark Cup in England. In the only other changes in the top 10, Spain (7th, +2) find themselves at an all-time high after taking second place in the latter competition, swapping places with Brazil (9th, -2), who failed to win any of their three games at the aforementioned Tournoi de France. However, this edition’s biggest story comes from Asia, where the top sides battled it out for the continental title and qualifying spots at the FIFA Women‘s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™. Victory for China PR (16th, +3) secured a ninth Asian crown, a World Cup ticket and a rise of three places in the global standings. Nevertheless, the most remarkable performance was that of Philippines (54th, +10) who, by reaching the semi-finals, ensured an historic maiden appearance on the world stage, their highest ever ranking and the distinction of being the most-improved side in terms of points (+53) and places (+10). As well as Spain and Philippines, another side making strides are Slovenia, who have also reached an all-time high (47th, +1). Last but not least, three teams - Togo (115th), Cayman Islands (163rd) and Anguilla (175th) - rejoined the World Ranking, while Afghanistan lost their place due to inactivity.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 17 Jan, 2022

Global Soccer Ventures launches football development drive in Pakistan

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2022):-Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar started a life changing career opportunity for 20 super talented Pakistani football players, as a program has been launched under the banner of Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) in collaboration with Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive. While addressing in a press conference at a local hotel on Monday along with other officials, fastest bowler of the world said that the road to UK and Ireland has now become unstoppable. “Including me and other top cricketer played football at the earlier stage of the life. I played football at the age of 16. Pakistan has tremendous talent of sports and I wish Pakistan should a multiple sports country instead of only cricket. We should focus on national game hockey, football and other sports and Pakistani can ink history in the top sports of the world, “he added. “The trials are being heavily invested into by GSV in Pakistan offering the very first UEFA scouting assessment on a national level in Pakistan to talent ID in 10 cities across 11 venues to subsequently offer life changing careers through professional football contracts in Ireland. The tour also includes 4 master-classes in Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Lahore to develop local football coaching expertise to European standards under St. Patrick’s Football Club development program. At least 15-25 coaches have been selected on merit to attend master-classes to help up-skill their football coaching methods and transfer skills so they become certified train-the-trainers in Pakistan leaving a sustainable roll-out plan under Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive, “said an official. Yasir Mahmood, Chairman of GSV said on this occasion, “Football is here to stay for the right reasons to develop and provide an opportunity for Pakistani players. With Akhtar as an iconic cricket legend well regarded around the world will help play a transitional role in making football become on top of the minds of our nation”. Allison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commissioner said: “Football is not just a sport, for many in the UK it’s a way of life, and it would be great to see it become more popular in sport-loving Pakistan. I’m delighted that talented young players here in Pakistan will have this opportunity provided by GSV to learn from some of the best UEFA coaches through St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club” Karel Freaye, Belgian UEFA licensed coach said, “Football is for everyone and I am looking for talent with potential to develop and grow into professional players in Europe. I am really excited to see what football technical excellence Pakistan has to offer with football as I see trial registrations rising by the hour”. Usman Dar, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Chairman Kamyab Jawan Program said, “The revival of sports is the top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government. I welcome GSV in their efforts for reviving football in Pakistan. PM’s Kamyab Jawan Program together with GSV will ensure that through football talent hunt we will produce the next football Kamyab Jawan heroes who will represent Pakistan nationally and internationally”. Garret Kelleher, President of St. Patrick’s Football Club said: ‘It is simply wonderful that the resources are now being put in place in Pakistan to allow football inspiring those with a passion for the game to fulfil their dreams and aspirations just like Shoaib Akhtar has in the world of cricket representing Pakistan at the highest level”.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 30 Dec, 2021

Solidarity and dialogue crucial in 2022

Islamabad (Sports Desk):-FIFA President looks forward to “celebration of football and social inclusion” in Qatar: Infantino calls for solidarity to protect football’s future. Wherever you are in the world and whatever your relationship with our beautiful game, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy new year and that all your hopes and dreams are realised in 2022: a FIFA World Cup year. Global attention will be on Qatar in November and December as the tournament is held for the 22nd time and the ground-breaking first edition in the Middle East. The finals will take place in a world that is very different from the one in which France lifted the trophy in Moscow four years ago and we know that the biggest stage of all will offer hope and inspiration to people around the world who have suffered difficult times through the pandemic. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a truly unique occasion to re-unite the World again in a celebration of football and social inclusion. We all need it! Whether in the United Arab Emirates for the FIFA Club World Cup, Costa Rica for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, India for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup or indeed Qatar, FIFA tournaments will continue to operate with the consideration. At the same time, we also continue to pledge solidarity with the whole football community in our daily action, as we are doing with our “COVID-19 Relief Plan” which was crucial to the survival of football in many of our Member Associations. Football has many different levels but in its magical essence it is the same game: the people’s game. For everyone. In every continent, every region, every country. FIFA is the only governing body that looks after and cares about the entire world. We will continue working hard to live up to the mission of not forgetting the ones who need most and who have no voice, while also protecting the healthy growth of everyone else and the global football movement. We continue to strive towards making football truly global through football and corporate governance, through competitions and events and through the development of our sport, widening its impact on the youth and wider society. For women and men, for girls and boys. 2022 will be a year of action, but it will also be a year of dialogue. The new FIFA is a democratic body and together with our stakeholders, we will design the path for football’s future, making the game fit for purpose in the modern era and ensuring that we can boost global competitiveness. To do that, we count on the collective unity and strength among the football community in order to ensure that the future of our sport is globally sustainable. We count on the vast majority who is looking forward to new exciting opportunities to dream, to develop the game, to feel truly part of the global football community. And we count also on those at the top to show solidarity - without which, even football at its most elite would not exist. We thank them for their valuable contribution to the popularity of the game and we count on their support, respect and strategic vision as we strive to successfully conclude the discussions around reform of the international match calendar. We will work together for unity and the ultimate benefit of everyone. 2022 will be a special and memorable year and I would like to wish you all the very best.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 23 Dec, 2021

Belgium and Canada take 2021 honours

Islamabad (Sports Desk):-Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, only 352 full internationals were played in 2020. Not since 1987 (323 matches) had so few games been played in a calendar year. By contrast, planet football made up for lost time in 2021 with a record breaking 1116 matches played. And while the quantity of games changed radically from one year to the next, the top ranked team in the FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Ranking has remained the same! For the fourth year in a row, Belgium (1st) ends the calendar year in pole position, albeit only just ahead of Brazil (2nd) by 2.1 points. France was (3rd) to complete the podium for 2021. For their part, Canada (40th) are the year’s ‘Most Improved Side’ having picked up no fewer than 130.32 points over the last 12 months. Their journey to the semi-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup, as well as the impressive results in FIFA World Cup Qatr 2022™ qualifying, have been major factors in their rise. Winners of UEFA EURO 2020 and the Copa America 2021 respectively, Italy (6th + 115.77 points compared to December 2020) and Argentina (5th +108.51 points compared to December 2020), have also seen their points tally increase dramatically this year. The same goes for the USA (11th + 103.51 points compared to December 2020) and England (4th + 85.52 points compared to December 2020). Equatorial Guinea (114th + 59.78 points compared to December 2020) made the most impressive progress among African teams, while Saudi Arabia (51st + 81.71 points compared to December 2020) did the same in Asia. However, just in terms of last month, the most improved Asian team are Indonesia (164th + 11.13 points). Winners of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™, Algeria (29th +3) jointly made the best progress in terms of places, along with Qatar (48th + 3), who finished third at the tournament, and Thailand (115th +3).

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 19 Dec, 2021

Arabic proposed as fifth official FIFA language

Islamabad (Sports Desk):-Today marks the UN’s World Arabic Language Day, and the culmination of the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™. In recognition of the importance of the Arabic language, which is spoken not only by the 450 million people that live in the more than 20 Arabic-speaking countries but also by millions of Arabs worldwide, the FIFA President will propose that Arabic becomes an official language of FIFA. The FIFA President’s proposal stems from long-term discussions with stakeholders in Qatar and those across the MENA region, and coincides with the conclusion of the FIFA Arab Cup, which successfully brought together 23 national teams in a celebration of football and unity across the Middle East and Arab world. Currently, the four FIFA languages are English, French, German and Spanish.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 16 Dec, 2021

Punjab to stage Pakistan Football League

LAHORE (Sports Report):-Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti has announced plans to organize Pakistan’s biggest Football League in near future. “Pakistan’s biggest Football League will be an important step for the promotion of sports at regional level in accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister,” he made this announcement in a statement on Wednesday. Announcing the details of the League, Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said the Under-23 players from across the province are eligible to register themselves for the grand Football League from Dec 15 to 22, 2021. “The interested players can register themselves through online form, QR Code, Divisional and District Sports offices”. Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti urged all the talented football players to register themselves for the coveted league. “Director General Sports Punjab will supervise all the arrangements and trials of the Football League”. Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said that a dream team of Punjab will be selected through the biggest Football League. “The members of Punjab’s dream team will be given Monthly scholarships”. Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti further said that Punjab’s open football trials will be conducted at district level. “In the first phase the divisional level football teams will be formed while Lahore will host league football matches of all divisions in the next phase”. He further said that the winning team would be awarded a cash prize of Rs 1000,000, runners-up Rs 500000 while the third position holder team will pocket Rs 300000 as cash prize,” he added.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 21 Nov, 2021

FIFA World Cup 2022 first time in Middle East

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (November 21, 2021):-The first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab World will begin as the world’s best national teams meet in Qatar. The tournament will be like no other, offering fans the opportunity to discover the culture of the host country, and the chance to attend more than one match per day during the group stage. “We will enjoy being all together in one place,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Fans will be treated to top-class football in eight state-of-the art stadiums. We are looking forward to the opportunity to bring people from different backgrounds together. “What I see here is a country that is preparing to welcome the whole world, and every fan, but also looking into where improvements are needed and taking real steps to do so in many different areas, particularly in relation to human rights and workers’ welfare.” The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will kick off at the stunning Al Bayt Stadium, which will be inaugurated just in a few days’ time when Qatar face Bahrain in the opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™. On the same day, the innovative Stadium 974 (Ras Abu Aboud) will also open its doors for the first time, leaving only one of the eight FIFA World Cup arenas – Lusail Stadium, the venue for the final – to be inaugurated early next year. “We are thrilled to celebrate the one-year-to-go milestone. We are on track to deliver a tournament that will set new benchmarks for social, human, economic and environmental development, a tournament that will forever be remembered as innovative, sustainable and transformative, when people came from all over the world to visit the Middle East and Arab world for the first time and have life-changing experiences,” added HE Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. “This is a unique and special moment for Qatar as the host country. After 11 years of hard work and lasting progress, we are well on the way towards delivering the first World Cup in our region, one that will leave a profound legacy for Qatar, the region and the entire world.”

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 20 Nov, 2021

FIFA World Cup Qatar: Draw for play-offs on November 26

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (November 20, 2021):-The draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ intercontinental play-offs will be held in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday, 26 November 2021. The fixtures that will determine who plays who between the AFC, Concacaf, CONMEBOL and the OFC in the contest for the last two spots at football’s flagship global event will be decided after the European play-off draw, which will start at 17:00 CET. Both draws will be streamed live on FIFA.com for all territories. Following the draw, a dramatic conclusion to the FIFA World Cup 2022 preliminary competition looms with the two intercontinental play-off matches to take place over a single leg on 13 and 14 June 2022. The play-offs were originally scheduled to take place in March 2022 but were rescheduled to June 2022 as a result of the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the scheduling of FIFA World Cup qualifiers globally. Four years ago, Australia and Peru secured passage to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ via the intercontinental play-offs with wins over Honduras and New Zealand respectively.

FOOTBALL - FIFA News 19 Nov, 2021

Diplomatic Football League kicks off from Saturday

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (November 19, 2021):-The Diplomatic Football League (DFL) 2021-22 will be kicked off from Saturday, as five matches will be played on the opening day. Thailand will meet Kazakhstan in the first match of the prestigious football league. All matches will be played at Check Shahzad football ground. Saturday’s Fixtures: Thailand Vs Kazakhstan at 1:00 pm RBS Vs Malaysia at 1:35 pm Golden Stars Vs Japan at 2:05 Europe Vs Saudi Arabia at 2:35 Thailand Vs Indonesia at 3:05