INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTBALL (FIFA) | HISTORY AND ORIGIN | RULES OF THE GAME | DISCIPLINE AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | FIFA ANTHEM | CRITICISM

The International Federation of Associated Football, FIFA, is the international governing of association football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland. FIFA is responsible for the organization and governance of football’s tournaments is the world cup held since 1930. FIFA has 208 member associations.

History and Origin:

The need for a single body to oversee the game of foot ball became apparent at the beginning of the 20^th century with the increasing popularity of international textures. FIFA was founded in Paris on May 21^st 1904, hence French home and acronym which has remained even outside French speaking countries. The founding members were Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, France and Germany. FIFA membership expanded beyond Europe with the application of South Africa in 1908, Argentina and Chile in 1912 and Canada and the US in 1913.

During World War I, with many players sent off to the War, and the possibility of international travel seriously restricted, there were no international fixtures. At the end of the war, some countries withdraw their membership pleading an unwillingness to engage in international competition with their recent world war enemies. These nations however resumed their membership after some years.

Structure of FIFA:

FIFA is an association established under the law of Switzerland. FIFA’s supreme body are made up of representatives from each affiliated member association. The congress assembles in ordinary session have been held once and additional extraordinary session have been held once a year since 1988. only the congress can pass changes in FIFA statutes. Congress elects the President of its Secretary General and other member of the FIFA’s its Executive Committee. FIFA’S Executive Committee is chaired by the President and this committee is the main decision-making body of the organization in the intervals of congress. FIFA also has six confederations which oversee the game in different continents and regions of the world. National Associations claim membership to both FIFA and the confederation in which their nation is geographically resident, for instance the Nigerian Football Federation belong to the confederation of African Football. Nations straddling the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia to Russia, Turkey, Cyprus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia have as a matter of choice to belong to UEFA, Union of European Football Association. FIFA has more member nations that the UN. FIFA recognizes non-sovereign entities or politically disputed territories. FIFA prides itself as a non political association.

Recognitions and Awards:

Each year, FIFA gives out different awards to players and clubs in recognition of their outstanding performances and contribution to the game of football. FIFA awards the title of FIFA world “player of the year” to the top men and women players of the year as part of its annual award ceremonies which recognizes teams and international football achievements. In 1994, FIFA announced the FIFA Dream Team, an all time, all-star team chosen by fans in a world wide poll. As part of its centenorial celebrations in 2004, FIFA organized a “Match of the century” between France and Brazil.

Rules of the Game:

The laws that govern football, known officially as “the laws of the game” are not solely the responsibility of FIFA, they are maintained by a body called the International Football Association Board (IFAB). FIFA has four members on the Board while the remaining four are provided Wales and Northern Ireland-who jointly established IFAB in 1882 and are recognized for the creation and history of the game.

Discipline and National Association:

FIFA frequently takes active roles in the running of the sport and the general development of the game around the world. It metes out sanctions and punishment to those who flout the rules of the game, either sanctions is to suspend teams and associated members from international competition when a government interferes in the running of FIFA’s associate member organizations or if the associate is not functioning property.

FIFA Anthem:

Since the 1994 World Cup, FIFA has lopted an anthem composed by the German composer. France Lambert. The Anthem is played at the beginning of official FIFA-approved matches and tournaments such as international friendlier, the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFA-11-20 World Cup, FIFA under 17 World Cup, FIFA Futsal World Cup, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Criticism:

1. Accusations of financial irregularities are rife in FIFA activities. These include brides, vote rigging, ticket scandals, cash for contract scandals and sweeteners repayment.

2. Andrew Jennings, a British investigative reporter, in his 2006 book ‘Foul’! the secret world of FIFA” alleged that vote-rigging occurred in the fight for Sepp Blather’s continued position of control as FIFA President²⁸ . Mel Brenham, Head of special projects for CONCACAE, 2001-2003, and world cup delegate became the first high level football inside to go public with substantial allegation of greed, corruption, non feasance and malfeasance by CONCACAE and FIFA leadership²⁹.

3. Video replay controversy-FIFA does not allow video evidence during matches although it is permitted for subsequent disciplinary sanctions. In 2008, Sepp Blather said …let it be as it is and lets leave football with errors. The television companies will have the rights to say the referee was right or wrong, but still the referee makes the decision-a man not a machine…³⁰.

It has been argued that instant replay should be med in penalty incidents, fouls which lead to bootings or cards and to determine whether the ball have crossed the goal line. Video replay is already in use in other sports including rugby, cricket, basket, tennis, ice jockey, etc. the incident between Germany and England and another between Argentina and Mexico during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has brought the need for video replay to the front banner. Even FIFA have accepted the error which took place in the matches mentioned above and in apologizing to England and Mexico stated that the issue of video replay would be given serious consideration.