History of FIFA in Timeline
FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the international governing body for association football, beach soccer, and futsal. Established on May 21, 1904, it was created to supervise international competitions between national associations. From its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA has grown to include 211 national associations, each affiliated with one of six regional confederations: CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia), UEFA (Europe), CONCACAF, OFC (Oceania), and CONMEBOL.
May 1904: Foundation of FIFA in Paris
On 21 May 1904, FIFA was founded in Paris by the national associations of Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
1906: Daniel Burley Woolfall became president of FIFA
In 1906, Daniel Burley Woolfall became president of FIFA.
1906: Daniel Burley Woolfall Replaces Robert Guérin
In 1906, Daniel Burley Woolfall from England replaced Robert Guérin as the president of FIFA.
1908: FIFA Staged Tournament for the 1908 Olympics in London
In 1908, FIFA staged its first tournament, the association football competition for the 1908 Olympics in London.
1909: South Africa Joins FIFA
In 1909, South Africa became a member of FIFA, expanding its reach beyond Europe.
1912: Argentina Joins FIFA
In 1912, Argentina became a member of FIFA, expanding its reach beyond Europe.
1912: Spalding Athletic Library "Official Guide" includes information on FIFA
In 1912, the Spalding Athletic Library "Official Guide" included information on the 1912 Olympics, AAFA, and FIFA. The FIFA president in 1912 was Dan B Woolfall.
1913: Canada and Chile Join FIFA
In 1913, Canada and Chile became members of FIFA, expanding its reach beyond Europe.
1913: Creation of the Royal Spanish Football Federation
In 1913, the Royal Spanish Football Federation was created.
1914: United States Joins FIFA
In 1914, the United States became a member of FIFA, expanding its reach beyond Europe.
1918: Daniel Burley Woolfall presidency ends
In 1918, Daniel Burley Woolfall presidency ends.
1930: Inaugural FIFA World Cup
In 1930, FIFA organized and promoted the first World Cup tournament, marking a significant milestone in international soccer.
1930: First World Cup Held in Uruguay
In 1930, the first World Cup was held in Montevideo, Uruguay.
1970: International Football Association Board Agreed to Request Television Authorities to Refrain From Slow-Motion Play-Backs
In 1970, the International Football Association Board "agreed to request the television authorities to refrain from any slow-motion play-back which reflected, or might reflect, adversely on any decision of the referee".
1989: Bribery Allegations against FIFA Officials begin
In November 2010, a Panorama exposé alleged that senior FIFA officials, including Nicolas Leoz, Issa Hayatou, and Ricardo Teixeira, had been paid bribes by ISL between 1989 and 1999. The allegations suggested a pattern of corruption spanning several years.
1991: Inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup
In 1991, FIFA commenced the Women's World Cup, expanding its major international tournaments.
1994: Adoption of FIFA Anthem
Since the 1994 FIFA World Cup, FIFA has adopted an anthem composed by Franz Lambert. It's played at the beginning of official FIFA sanctioned matches and tournaments.
1997: Alleged bribery by João Havelange
Panorama alleged that João Havelange accepted a $1 million 'bung' in 1997 from ISL. In June 2011, the International Olympic Committee started inquiry proceedings against FIFA honorary president João Havelange into these claims of bribery.
1998: Extraordinary Sessions Held Annually Since 1998
Since 1998, FIFA Congress has assembled in extraordinary sessions once a year.
1999: Bribery Allegations against FIFA Officials end
In November 2010, a Panorama exposé alleged that senior FIFA officials, including Nicolas Leoz, Issa Hayatou, and Ricardo Teixeira, had been paid bribes by ISL between 1989 and 1999. The allegations suggested a pattern of corruption spanning several years.
2000: FIFA Club and Player of the Century Awards
In 2000, FIFA presented the FIFA Club of the Century and FIFA Player of the Century awards. Real Madrid won the club award, and Diego Maradona and Pelé were joint winners of the Player of the Century award.
May 2006: Release of "Foul! The Secret World of FIFA"
In May 2006, British investigative reporter Andrew Jennings released his book "Foul! The Secret World of FIFA: Bribes, Vote-Rigging, and Ticket Scandals", detailing an alleged international cash-for-contracts scandal. The book alleged vote-rigging to maintain Sepp Blatter's control as FIFA president.
June 2006: BBC Panorama exposé on FIFA and Sepp Blatter
In June 2006, a BBC Panorama exposé by Andrew Jennings and Roger Corke reported that Sepp Blatter was being investigated by Swiss police over his role in a secret deal regarding bribes. Lord Triesman, former chairman of the English Football Association, criticized FIFA as an organization that "behaves like a mafia family".
2007: FIFA Ruling on Player Registration and Appearances
In 2007, FIFA implemented a ruling allowing a player to be registered with a maximum of three clubs and appear in official matches for a maximum of two in a year, leading to controversy, especially in countries with seasons crossing the date barrier.
2007: FIFA Requires Broadcast Partners to Use Anthem Sequences
Since 2007, FIFA has required most of its broadcast partners to use short sequences, including the FIFA Anthem, at the beginning and end of FIFA event coverage and for break bumpers to help promote FIFA's sponsors.
2008: Sepp Blatter's statement on referees
In 2008, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "Let it be as it is and let's leave [football] with errors. The television companies will have the right to say [the referee] was right or wrong, but still, the referee makes the decision – a man, not a machine."
November 2010: Further Panorama exposé alleges FIFA officials received bribes
In November 2010, a Panorama exposé alleged that three senior FIFA officials (Nicolas Leoz, Issa Hayatou, and Ricardo Teixeira) had been paid huge bribes by ISL between 1989 and 1999. It was also alleged that Jack Warner was repeatedly involved in reselling World Cup tickets to touts.
November 2010: Bans for FIFA executive committee members over vote-selling allegations
In November 2010, two members of FIFA's executive committee were banned from all football-related activity for allegedly offering to sell their votes to undercover newspaper reporters.
2010: Incident during 2010 FIFA World Cup Between England and Germany
During a second-round game in the 2010 FIFA World Cup between England and Germany, a shot by Frank Lampard crossed the line but was not seen by match officials. This incident led FIFA officials to declare that they would re-examine the use of goal-line technology.
2010: Use of African Music for Bumpers during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, an original piece of African music was used for bumpers, as an exception to the usual practice of using the FIFA Anthem.
2010: Expectations of Reform Following Bribery Scandal
Following his re-election as president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter promised reforms after the bribery scandal. Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, highlighted the expectation for reform within FIFA.
2010: Secret Bonuses Paid After the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Following the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, leaked documents indicated that $4.4 million in secret bonuses had been paid to the committee members.
2010: Fresh allegations of corruption against FIFA
In late 2010, fresh allegations of corruption against FIFA emerged. Mel Brennan, a former CONCACAF official, went public with allegations of corruption, nonfeasance, and malfeasance by CONCACAF and FIFA leadership. Brennan has called directly for an alternative to FIFA to be considered by the stakeholders of the sport worldwide.
May 2011: Allegations of bribery in Qatar's World Cup bid
In May 2011, a whistle-blower claimed that FIFA executive committee members Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma were paid $1.5 million to vote for Qatar in the 2022 World Cup bid. Blatter stated that FIFA was awaiting more evidence before its ethics committee examined the allegations.
May 2011: British parliamentary inquiry into England's failed 2018 World Cup bid
In early May 2011, a British parliamentary inquiry was held to investigate why England failed to secure the 2018 finals, with allegations that Issa Hayatou and Jacques Anouma were paid by Qatar. Qatar, Hayatou, and Anouma all denied the allegations.
May 2011: FIFA Opens Investigation into Officials' Conduct
On 25 May 2011, FIFA announced an investigation into the conduct of Mohamed Bin Hammam, Jack Warner, Debbie Minguell, and Jason Sylvester, following allegations of ethical violations during the 2011 FIFA presidential election.
May 2011: Fred Lunn Alleges Bribery Attempt
On 30 May 2011, Fred Lunn, vice-president of the Bahamas Football Association, reported that he was offered $40,000 in cash as an incentive to vote for Mohamed bin Hammam in the FIFA presidential election.
May 2011: FIFA agrees to meet with The Sunday Times' whistle-blowing source
As of May 23, 2011, FIFA president Blatter announced that The Sunday Times had agreed to bring its whistle-blowing source to meet with senior FIFA officials to discuss alleged World Cup bidding corruption.
June 2011: IOC inquiry into João Havelange over bribery claims
In June 2011, the International Olympic Committee started inquiry proceedings against FIFA honorary president João Havelange into claims of bribery. Panorama alleged that Havelange accepted a $1 million 'bung' in 1997 from ISL.
June 2011: Louis Giskus Alleges Bribery Attempt
On 11 June 2011, Louis Giskus, president of the Surinamese Football Association, claimed he received $40,000 in cash for "development projects" to incentivize voting for Bin Hammam.
October 2011: Dick Pound Criticizes FIFA
In October 2011, Dick Pound criticized FIFA for failing to demonstrate a credible commitment to addressing its problems, transparency, and future governance.
2011: Total Compensation for FIFA Management Committee in 2011
In 2011, the total compensation for the FIFA management committee, consisting of 35 people, was 30 million.
July 2012: FIFA Sanctioned the Use of Goal-Line Technology
In July 2012, FIFA sanctioned the use of goal-line technology, following a high-profile incident during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Goal-line technology is subject to rules specified by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
July 2012: Appointment of chairmen to FIFA Ethics Committee chambers
On July 17, 2012, following announced anti-corruption reforms by Sepp Blatter, FIFA appointed US lawyer Michael J. Garcia as chairman of the investigative chamber and German judge Hans-Joachim Eckert as chairman of the adjudication chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee.
2013: US financial misconduct charges related to FIFA
Between 2013 and May 2015, Chuck Blazer, José Hawilla, Daryan Warner, Darrell Warner, Traffic Group and Traffic Sports USA pleaded guilty to United States financial misconduct charges.
June 2014: Salary Increase for FIFA Committee Members
In June 2014, a report indicated that the salaries of FIFA committee members had doubled from $100,000 to $200,000 during the year.
September 2014: Garcia Delivers Report on 2018 and 2022 World Cup Bidding
In September 2014, Garcia delivered a 350-page report on the investigation of the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
December 2014: Garcia Appeals Dismissed, Resigns as FIFA Ethics Investigator
In December 2014, Garcia's appeal against Eckert's summary was dismissed, leading Garcia to resign from his role as FIFA ethics investigator, citing a lack of leadership and lost confidence in Eckert's independence.
2014: Dave Zirin's comments on FIFA corruption
In a 2014 interview, American sportswriter Dave Zirin stated that corruption is endemic to FIFA leadership and suggested the organization should be abolished for the good of the game. He proposed separating the bodies responsible for monitoring corruption and those responsible for marketing and selling the sport.
May 2015: Guilty pleas in US financial misconduct charges related to FIFA
Between 2013 and May 2015, the guilty pleas of Chuck Blazer, José Hawilla, Daryan Warner, Darrell Warner, Traffic Group and Traffic Sports USA to United States financial misconduct charges were unsealed.
May 2015: Arrests of FIFA officials on corruption charges
In May 2015, 14 people were arrested, including nine FIFA officials, after being accused of corruption.
May 2015: Arrest of FIFA officials in Switzerland and allegations of bribery
In May 2015, FIFA's top officials were arrested in Switzerland on suspicion of receiving bribes totaling $100 million. The US Department of Justice stated that nine FIFA officials and four executives of sports management companies were accused of over $150 million in bribes. Andy Burnham suggested England boycott the 2018 World Cup.
May 2015: Indictment of FIFA officials and marketing executives by US Department of Justice
In May 2015, fourteen FIFA officials and marketing executives were indicted by the United States Department of Justice on charges including wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering. They were arrested in Switzerland and are in the process of extradition to the US.
May 2015: Arrests of FIFA Officials in Corruption Investigation
On 27 May 2015, several high-ranking FIFA officials were arrested by Swiss authorities, who launched a criminal investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. These officials also faced indictment in the US on charges including racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering.
May 2015: 2015 FIFA Corruption Scandal Exposed
On 27 May 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted 14 FIFA officials and marketing executives in the 2015 FIFA corruption scandal, charging them with receiving approximately $150 million in bribes over two decades. This scandal exposed a widespread bribery and corruption scheme within FIFA and led to the arrest of several high-ranking FIFA officials.
June 2015: Swiss Authorities Claim Garcia's Report of "Little Value"
In June 2015, Swiss authorities claimed the report was of "little value".
September 2015: Sepp Blatter's suggestion on pre-planned World Cup hosting
In September 2015, Sepp Blatter suggested that the 2018 World Cup being awarded to Russia was pre-planned before the voting, and that the 2022 World Cup would have then been awarded to the United States. However, this plan changed after the election ballot, and the 2022 World Cup was awarded to Qatar instead of the US.
February 2016: Gianni Infantino Elected as FIFA President
On 26 February 2016, Gianni Infantino was elected as the new president of FIFA at an extraordinary FIFA Congress session after Sepp Blatter was suspended pending a corruption investigation.
2016: Inauguration of The Best FIFA Football Awards
Since 2016, FIFA has held The Best FIFA Football Awards annually, recognizing achievements in international association football. Awards given include The Best FIFA Men's Player, The Best FIFA Women's Player, The Best FIFA Football Coach, and FIFA FIFPRO World 11.
May 2017: FIFA Council Decides Not to Renew Mandates of Ethics Committee Chairmen
On 9 May 2017, the FIFA Council, following a proposal by Gianni Infantino, decided not to renew the mandates of Cornel Borbély and Hans-Joachim Eckert, the chairmen of the ethics committee. Along with the chairmen, 11 of 13 committee members were removed.
March 2018: Video Assistant Referees Written into the Laws of the Game Permanently
On 3 March 2018, the IFAB officially wrote video assistant referees (VARs) into the Laws of the Game permanently, their use remaining optional for competitions.
2018: Accusations Regarding 2018 World Cup Hosting Rights
Accusations included bribery related to the awarding of hosting rights for the 2018 World Cup to Russia.
2018: Allegations of improper conduct in 2018 World Cup bidding
David Triesman, former head of England's bid and the English Football Association, alleged to the UK Parliament that four FIFA executive committee members—Jack Warner, Nicolás Leoz, Ricardo Teixeira and Worawi Makudi—engaged in "improper and unethical" conduct in the 2018 bidding, which was won by Russia. All six FIFA voters have denied wrongdoing.
2018: Criticism of FIFA's choice to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia
FIFA's choice to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia has been widely criticized, with allegations suggesting that Russian kickbacks secured the bid. Sepp Blatter was criticized for warning about the "evils of the media" before the vote.
2018: FIFA Revises Code of Ethics
In 2018, FIFA revised its code of ethics, removing corruption as an ethical violation but retaining bribery, misappropriation of funds, and competition manipulation as offenses, and introducing a ten-year statute of limitations.
2018: Awarding of the 2018 World Cup
In 2018, allegations of corruption, bribery, and vote-rigging were linked to the awarding of the 2018 World Cup to Russia.
2018: Sepp Blatter suggests 2018 World Cup was pre-planned to be in Russia
In September 2015, Sepp Blatter suggested that the 2018 World Cup being awarded to Russia was planned before the voting.
2018: Criminal investigation into 2018 World Cup bids
Swiss authorities opened a criminal investigation into FIFA's operations pertaining to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.
2018: Criticism of Panorama broadcast timing before 2018 World Cup host decision
UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Andy Anson criticized the timing of a Panorama broadcast three days before FIFA decided on the host for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in 2010, fearing it might damage England's bid because the voters included officials accused by the program.
2019: Start of 2019-2022 cycle
The 2019-2022 cycle, ending in 2022, concluded with a net positive of $1.2 billion and cash reserves exceeding $3.9 billion.
April 2022: Launch of FIFA+
In April 2022, FIFA launched FIFA+, an OTT service providing up to 40,000 live matches per year, including 11,000 women's matches, along with archival and original documentary content. Eleven Sports was reported to populate the platform with live matches.
November 2022: FIFA Officials Advise Players to Avoid Politics in Qatar
In November 2022, FIFA officials instructed players to focus on sports and refrain from political involvement while in Qatar for the World Cup.
2022: Al Jazeera's alleged $400 million offer to FIFA for broadcasting rights
According to leaked documents, in 2022, Qatari state-run television channel Al Jazeera secretly offered $400 million to FIFA for broadcasting rights, just 21 days before FIFA announced that Qatar would host the 2022 World Cup.
2022: Accusations Regarding 2022 World Cup Hosting Rights
Accusations included bribery related to the awarding of hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.
2022: Criticism of FIFA's choice to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar
FIFA's choice to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar has been widely criticized.
2022: FIFA Suspends Russia's Participation
Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and a recommendation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIFA suspended the participation of Russia in its competitions. The Russian Football Union's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was unsuccessful.
2022: Corruption Suspicions Regarding Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Bid
In 2022, FIFA has been suspected of corruption regarding the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup bid.
2022: FIFA Revenues in 2022
In 2022, FIFA reported revenues of over US$5.8 billion, concluding the 2019–2022 cycle with a net positive of $1.2 billion and cash reserves exceeding $3.9 billion.
2022: Awarding of the 2022 World Cup
In 2022, allegations of corruption, bribery, and vote-rigging were linked to the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.
2022: Possibility of reopening 2022 vote if corruption is proved
In May 2011, Amidst the Qatar World Cup bid scandal, Blatter stated that FIFA did not rule out reopening the 2022 vote if corruption could be proved, but he urged a step-by-step approach.
2022: Allegation of 2022 World Cup award being changed to Qatar instead of the US
In September 2015, Sepp Blatter suggested that the 2022 World Cup was initially planned to be awarded to the United States, but this plan was changed after the election ballot, and it was awarded to Qatar instead.
2022: Criminal investigation into 2022 World Cup bids
Swiss authorities opened a criminal investigation into FIFA's operations pertaining to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.
2023: FIFA+ Broadcasts Youth World Cups and Women's World Cup
Starting in 2023, FIFA+ broadcast all matches of the youth World Cups in both genders, beginning with the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The platform also showed the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup live in selected regions like Japan, Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand.
October 2024: Allegations against FIFA for unpaid player sums
In October 2024, FIFA faced a new controversy with allegations from players across multiple countries, claiming the organisation failed to pay them agreed sums, totaling up to £3 million. Reportedly, 420 players did not receive their agreed payments from FIFA.
October 2024: Female Footballers Demand FIFA End Sponsorship Deal With Aramco
In October 2024, over 100 female footballers sent an open letter to FIFA, urging the organization to terminate its sponsorship agreement with Saudi oil company Aramco due to concerns regarding human rights violations, women's rights abuses, and the criminalization of homosexuality in Saudi Arabia.
May 2025: FIFA+ competition coverage as of May 2025
As of May 16, 2025, FIFA+ covers various competitions.
November 2025: Announcement of the FIFA Peace Prize
In November 2025, FIFA announced the creation of the FIFA Peace Prize to recognize exceptional actions for peace and unity, bestowed on behalf of football-loving people worldwide.
December 2025: Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize presented to Donald Trump
On December 5, 2025, at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize was presented to Donald Trump, then president of the United States, by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
2026: 2026 World Cup draw
The 2026 World Cup draw took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington D.C. During the draw, the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize was presented to Donald Trump.
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