FIFA

History of FIFA: origin and evolution of the body that governs football The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) was born in Paris in 1904, consolidating itself over 120 years as the highest governing body of world football. What began as a small alliance of seven European federations is today a global structure that brings together 211 national associations under a single set of regulations. From its headquarters in Zurich, the entity not only coordinates the World Cup, but also regulates refereeing, international transfers, sports medicine, and the development of the game in its various forms, including women’s, futsal, and beach soccer. The institution’s path has been complex. After overcoming the challenges of the World Wars, the Jules Rimet era promoted the creation of the first World Cup in 1930, marking the beginning of professionalization. Subsequently, under administrations such as those of João Havelange and Joseph Blatter, FIFA transformed into a commercial and television powerhouse, although it also faced deep governance crises, such as the remembered FIFAgate scandal in 2015. Currently, under the presidency of Gianni Infantino, the organization is committed to the expansion of its competitive formats, such as the 48-team World Cup and the new club tournament. Beyond sports, the FIFA Foundation seeks to make a social impact through educational programs around the world. Today, FIFA remains the heart of global football, managing the sport that mobilizes millions of people and which, despite its historical controversies, continues to be the fundamental pillar that connects nations through a ball.

FIFA: From a meeting in Paris to the conquest of world football The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has traveled a path of more than 120 years, transforming from…