FIFA- The Federation International Football Association was founded in Paris in May 1904 with seven founding members including, France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The same day, German Football Federation showed its intention of joining and being a member of FIFA.
Despite all the setbacks and obstacles, the federation grew steadily. By the end of 1912, almost 21 countries were affiliated to FIFA and the number increased to 36 in 1925. Slowly the number started increasing. It was 41 in 1930, the year of the first World Cup and 51 in 1938. The Second World War cause gap in the works of the federation. But, the work started again in 1950, when the number rose to 73.
The FIFA laid many statutes and determined some rules that must be followed by FIFA members and players. The first FIFA congress was held on 23 May 1904 and it elected Robert Guerin as the first FIFA President. There were two vice- presidents from Switzerland and Netherlands each.
The first big success of FIFA came on 14 April 1905, when the Executive Committee of the Football Association Ltd. recognized the National Associations affiliated to FIFA and joined it.
Until 1909, FIFA only consisted of European Associations. The first members from overseas joined later. South Africa joined in 1909/1910, Argentina and Chile in 1912, and USA in 1913. This was the start of FlFA's International activities.
The first world cup took place in Centenary Stadium in Montevideo in Uruguay on 18 July 1930. It was a remarkable success. The FIFA congress met in Budapest and thanked Uruguay for holding the first World Cup under difficult conditions. Since than, almost 18 World Cups have been played.
After the Ordinary FIFA congress 2000, the present number of FIFA members has been registered as 204 that comprise members from all parts of the World.
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