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The history of FIFA

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in 1904 and has since developed into one of the most influential and well-known sports organisations in the world. From its humble beginnings in Europe to the organisation of the world's biggest football tournaments, FIFA's history is closely linked to the development of football as a global sport.

The beginnings: foundation and first steps (1904)

FIFA was founded in Paris on 21 May 1904. The aim was to organise international football competitions and create uniform rules for the sport. The founding members came from seven countries: **France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland**. The first president of FIFA was the Frenchman Robert Guérin.

From the very beginning, FIFA pursued the goal of promoting football internationally and setting standards for the game. The first attempts to organise international tournaments were made as early as 1906, albeit without much success.

The breakthrough: The first world championship (1930)

A turning point in FIFA's history was the decision to organise its own World Cup. In 1930, the first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay. The tournament, in which 13 teams took part, was a great success and established a tradition that continues to this day. Uruguay were crowned the first world champions in front of their home crowd.

This event marked the beginning of the close relationship between FIFA and the organisation of international competitions.

Growth and professionalisation (1950s-1970s)

After the Second World War, the popularity of football grew rapidly and FIFA became the central organisation for the administration and promotion of the sport. The 1950 World Cup in Brazil marked the first tournament after the war, which went down in history with a legendary final between Brazil and Uruguay.

Under the leadership of **Sir Stanley Rous** (1961-1974), FIFA was further professionalised. In the 1970s, FIFA increasingly favoured the integration of new member associations from Africa, Asia and Oceania in order to promote football outside Europe and South America.

The Havelange era: Globalisation of football (1974-1998)

A new era began with the election of **João Havelange** as FIFA President. Under his leadership, FIFA grew into a global organisation that increasingly focused on the commercialisation and worldwide marketing of football.

During this time, the FIFA World Cup expanded and women's football also began to gain in importance. In 1991, the first FIFA Women's World Cup was held in China.

Commercialisation and challenges (1998-today)

Under **Sepp Blatter**, who became president in 1998, FIFA became one of the wealthiest sports organisations in the world. The World Cup tournaments became global events with enormous economic and cultural impact thanks to sponsorship contracts, TV rights and merchandising.

However, FIFA also came under criticism, particularly due to allegations of corruption and the awarding of World Cups to Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022). These events led to extensive reforms, especially after the election of **Gianni Infantino** in 2016, who promised a more transparent and modernised FIFA.

Today: FIFA in the 21st century

Today, FIFA represents 211 national football associations and is responsible for organising the world's biggest tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups, the Club World Cup and many other competitions.

With the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, FIFA is once again facing a major event that will set new standards in terms of size and innovation.

The history of FIFA

is the history of football itself - from a regional pastime to a global phenomenon. Despite challenges and criticism, FIFA remains the driving force behind the development and promotion of football on all continents.