Establishment of FIFA

The need for a single body to oversee association football became apparent at the beginning of the 20th century with the increasing popularity of international fixtures. 

During the World War I, FIFA has experienced serious difficulties as many players were sent off to war and the possibility of travel for international fixtures was severely limited. The post-war period also marked no success.

It was only after World War II when the organization has entered a new stage of its development. Football Confederations were created on all continents, Great Britain returned under FIFA flag, the USSR consent to join the organization. The popularization of the sport was greatly contributed by television broadcasts.

Currently, FIFA has become a global football community having more members than the United Nations. FIFA revenues increased significantly due to liberalization of the television market, active marketing policy and sale of diverse products and thematic attributes.

Headquarters of the organization are based in Zurich, its president is Joseph Sepp Blatter.

Every four years, FIFA organizes the FIFA World Cup. In 2014 it will be held in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July.