India qualifies for 2019 Asian Cup

India on Wednesday became the third team through to the Asian Cup 2019 finals after drubbing Macau 4-1 in a Group A qualifier in the Indian city of Bengaluru on Wednesday. It was India's fourth consecutive win and its perfect record meant that it joined Group D's Palestine and Oman as the confirmed teams through to the finals, alongside hosts United Arab Emirates. It is the third time that India has qualified for the Asian Cup finals, the previous being in 2011 and 1984.

Pakistan football body suspended

The world governing body, FIFA, announced on Wednesday that it has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) for "third-party interference". The suspension centres on an internal feud at the PFF. This led a court to appoint an administrator to run its affairs in violation of FIFA requirements that such a body be managed independently.

Chile’s Vidal retires from national team

Arturo Vidal said he is retiring from international football with his "soul crushed" after Chile failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals. Vidal missed Chile's final shot at qualification on Tuesday through suspension, the South American champions losing 0-3 to Brazil to miss out on the tournament in Russia next year on goal difference. Vidal, 30, announced his intention to step down on Twitter.

Ex-Arsenal star Merson in shock comeback

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson is making a shock return to football at the age of 49 to play for Welsh minnows Caerau. Merson, who won 21 England caps, was part of the Arsenal team that won the first division championship in both 1988-89 and 1990-91 as well as the 1993 FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1994.