History of Football in Timeline

Football encompasses a variety of team sports centered on kicking a ball to score. The term 'football' usually refers to the most popular form in a specific region. Common types include association football (soccer), Australian rules football, Gaelic football, gridiron football (American football), rugby league, and rugby union. These 'football codes' share historical roots and similar gameplay elements, although rules and styles differ significantly.

1901: Formation of the Northern Rugby League

In 1901, the separate Lancashire and Yorkshire competitions of the NRFU merged, forming the Northern Rugby League, the first time the name rugby league was used officially in England.

1903: Ontario Rugby Football Union adopted the Burnside rules

In 1903, the Ontario Rugby Football Union adopted the Burnside rules, which implemented the line of scrimmage and down-and-distance system from American football, among others.

May 1904: Foundation of FIFA

On May 21, 1904, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in Paris by associations from seven European countries.

October 1905: Meeting with President Roosevelt regarding football violence

On October 9, 1905, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt held a meeting with football representatives to urge drastic changes to reduce the violence in the sport.

1905: Calls to ban American football in the U.S.

In 1905, there were calls to ban American football in the U.S. due to its violence. A meeting hosted by President Theodore Roosevelt led to significant rule changes.

1906: Introduction of the legal forward pass

In 1906, a rule change introduced the legal forward pass, devised to open up the game and reduce injury. This proved to be one of the most important rule changes in the establishment of the modern game.

1906: Reduction of rugby league team size

In 1906, rugby league rules diverged significantly from rugby union with the reduction of the team from 15 to 13 players.

1906: Repeal of Football Act

In 1906, the Football Act of 1424, which had prohibited football in Scotland, was finally repealed after falling into disuse.

1907: New Zealand professional rugby team tours Australia and Britain

In 1907, a New Zealand professional rugby team toured Australia and Britain, receiving an enthusiastic response, and professional rugby leagues were launched in Australia the following year.