History of Football in Timeline

Football is a family of team sports centered around 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/Canadian football), International rules football, rugby league, and rugby union. These forms, known as "football codes," share historical roots and fundamental principles.

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 official use of the name rugby league in England.

1903: Ontario Rugby Football Union adopts Burnside rules

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

May 1904: Foundation of FIFA

In May 1904, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in Paris by associations from seven European countries: France, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

October 1905: Meeting to discuss American football rule changes

In October 1905, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt held a meeting with football representatives to urge drastic changes to the game due to its violence.

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, leading to a meeting hosted by President Theodore Roosevelt and subsequent rule changes.

1906: Reduction of team size in rugby league

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

1906: Repeal of the Football Act 1424

In 1906, the Football Act of 1424, which had prohibited football in Scotland, was formally repealed after falling into disuse.

1906: Introduction of the legal forward pass in American football

In 1906, the legal forward pass was introduced as a rule change in American football to open up the game and reduce injury.

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.