Australia’s McCormick seals whirlwind year with Betis switch

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Australia’s McCormick seals whirlwind year with Betis switch

Seville: Jenna McCormick has continued the mass migration of Australian women’s national team players to Europe, joining Spanish outfit Real Betis on a two-year deal announced on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old makes the switch from W-League outfit Melbourne Victory, joining fellow South Australian Alex Chidiac, of Atlético Madrid, in the Primera División.

The most popular football clubs: China PR

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

The most popular football clubs: China PR

Beijing: As the Chinese Super League gets set to kick off in the coming days, we continue our series reviewing the most popular clubs in Asia, this week shifting the focus to China PR. 

The CSL was launched in 2004 and has since attracted numerous world-renowned superstars as the league has grown into one of the strongest in Asia and among the most watched anywhere on the planet. The country's clubs, meanwhile, have become big hitters in the AFC Champions League.

Based on both domestic and Continental success, below are five candidates for China's most popular club. Review the teams and don't forget to vote for your favourite in the poll at the bottom of the article.

ACL Legends: Qatar

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL Legends: Qatar

Kuala Lumpur: Having had a look at legends from Australia, China PR, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia,  Syria, Thailand and the UAE, the latest edition of the series focuses on five Qatari players who have left a mark on the AFC Champions League.

While only one Qatari club has won the competition, there have also been long runs ending in the late knockout-stages of the competition with a number of Qatari stars excelling over the years.

Qatar Stars League wheels resume turning after a four-month stoppage

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Qatar Stars League wheels resume turning after a four-month stoppage

Dubai: Action returns to stadiums in Qatar as the 2022 FIFA World Cup host nation prepares for resumption of the 2019-2020 Qatar Stars League season on Friday, with the remaining five matchdays to be played between Friday and August 21st.

With summer temperatures constantly above 40 degrees Celsius, most remaining league matches will take place in two air-conditioned grounds; Al Sadd’s Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and the newly opened Al Janoub Stadium.

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Cup has witnessed over the years, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops. 

With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!

Pinto: I am passionate about taking UAE to the World Cup

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Pinto: I am passionate about taking UAE to the World Cup

Dubai: Jorge Luis Pinto will not be stepping into the unknown as head coach of the United Arab Emirates national team, with the Colombian having done his homework prior to meeting the squad on Tuesday.

In fact, the former Honduras and Costa Rica head coach is determined to leave a lasting legacy on UAE football, with qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 his immediate target.

Pinto, speaking during his official presentation on Wednesday, said he is confident he will be able to steer UAE in the direction they desire.

Al Bakkar‎ writes new history in Lebanon

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Bakkar‎ writes new history in Lebanon

Beirut: With women’s football becoming increasingly popular in the Arab world, it comes as no surprise to see more women taking up refereeing and officiating their games. 

One woman, by the name of Doumouh Al Bakkar, has gone a step further step, however, making history by officiating several men’s games after becoming one of the leading referees of women’s football in Lebanon.