The History of Football (Association Football)

Also known as Association Football or Soccer, the history of football dates back more than 2000 years. In the United States and Canada, the locals identify it as Soccer. Soccer distinguishes the game from American Football. According to a credible source, the first ball game occurred in China. The Chinese called it cuju.

Cuju was a round ball played on an area of a square.

The Romans, Greece, and some parts of Central America also claim to have invented the game. Modern football gets credit from the English. Although it was a weird and violent game with no rules, England pioneered this world’s most popular sport.

Hooliganism in Football

The English ball game started in the 12th century. Apart from kicks, the game also involved fist punches. Regularly, the players flocked to the streets of England to play. It was vigorous, violent, and sometimes led to death. As a result, it caused damage to the towns. That led to its banning. The sport was forbidden for some time but re-emerged in the 17th century.

1848 Cambridge rules

In 1848, the Cambridge Rules were set. The new rules influenced the development of subsequent codes, including association football. The mission was to control the unruly game that had gained popularity. In the 1850s, many schools and universities throughout England embraced the game.

In 1863, more efforts to refine the game were introduced. Ultimately, that action led to the formation of the Football Association (FA). A meeting that ended with the first comprehensive set of rules took place. The venue was Freemason’s Tavern, Great Queen Street in London.

Did you know that FA Cup is the world’s oldest football competition? FA Cup began in 1872, and the contest only featured the English teams. The first international match was between England and Scotland which ended in a draw of 0-0.

International Football Association and FIFA

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) determines the laws of football. IFAB was established in 1886, in Manchester. Additionally, other parties that govern football include the Scottish Football Association, the Football Association of Wales, and the Irish Football Association.

In 1904, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was formed. The act was signed by representatives from the following countries:

• France
• Belgium
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Denmark
• Sweden

England and other British Countries joined FIFA in the following year.

Football is the World’s Popular Sport

Interestingly, we play football as a professional sport all over the world. It is the most popular game. If you want real entertainment, then do not miss a football match! Football attracts over 250 million players regularly from more than 200 countries.

Football is an enjoyable game and promotes peace. If I am not watching it on the SuperSport, I am speculating results across the Live Matches. What is your favorite team in the English Premier League?