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Nov. 7 - Nov.14, 2004 |
A great century of people's game
For one hundred years FIFA has been historical epicentre for the global spread of soccer
By Mehrdad Masoudi
Originally Published: 2003-12-21
The year 2004 marks the 100th birthday of FIFA. For a century FIFA has been the historical epicentre for the global spread of the modern game.
In Europe, there has been plenty of mob soccer played throughout history with some vaguely resembling the game that we know and love today.
In Florence, Italy they still play something called Calcio Storico. It's not directly related to modern soccer. It's 27 a side for a start, the ball can be something of an afterthought, and the referee is armed with a sword, just in case!
But the style of soccer that developed in England was different. It may have been grounded in local pastimes, but the rules struck a chord with everyone. It was more fun, and though physical, it was certainly less dangerous than the violent mob games.
In the late 19th century, as this virus spread around the world, it found fertile ground in mainland Europe. From the 1880s onwards, clubs started to develop, along with regional and national associations. By 1900 there were international club matches across Europe.
And, while the British associations accepted that other nations enjoyed this sport, they were not especially interested in helping out. So, what would be the next step?
In order to further their sport, and set up the framework for international relations, the Europeans would have to do it themselves.
Robert Guerin, President of the French Soccer Association, invited representatives from across Europe to 229 Rue St Honore in Paris on May 21st 1904. Today it's a shoe-shop, but almost a century ago, it was the birthplace of one of the most influential bodies in world sport.
Seven nations were there. A club side represented Spain, Madrid FC who have since become Real Madrid. The setting up of FIFA provided national associations and their constituent clubs with an international framework. Within in a year 15 nations were represented across Europe including the British.
These associations developed at both international and club level. The first world war severely held back the development of the game, though such was the popularity of soccer, international matches were still played between the European powers on neutral territory.
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