About FIFA

FIFA - Federation Internationale de Football Association is an

association governed by Swiss law and the statutes of which is the constant improvement of football. It has 209 member associations and FIFA employs some 310 people from over 35 nations. FIFA is composed of a Congress (legislative body), Executive Committee (executive body), General Secretariat (administrative body) and committees (assisting the Executive Committee).

FIFA is responsible for the organization of football's major international tournaments, notably the World Cup. Since the first competition in Uruguay 1930, the 16 tournaments have seen only seven different winners.

The foundation act of FIFA was signed by the authorized representatives of : France, Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques (USFSA); Belgium, Union Belge des Sociétés de Sports (UBSSA); Denmark, Dansk Boldspil Union (DBU); Netherlands, Nederlandsche Voetbal Bond (NVB); Spain, Madrid Football Club; Sweden, Svenska Bollspells Förbundet (SBF); and Switzerland, Association Suisse de Football (ASF).

FIFA has been served by eight Presidents since its foundation in 1904. From Frenchman Robert Guerin to the current incumbent Joseph S. Blatter via Jules Rimet, the father of the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA's judicial bodies are its Disciplinary Committee and its Appeal Committee, as per article 43 of the FIFA statutes. Their functions are laid out in the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC). Members of these committees are appointed by the FIFA Executive Committee for renewable four year periods. Both committees are presided over by a Chairman and Deputy Chairman, both of whom have legal backgrounds.

FIFA supports its 209 associations financially and logistically through various programs and grants them a number of rights and privileges along with some obligations. As representatives of FIFA in their countries, they must respect the statutes, aims and ideals of football's governing body and promote their sport accordingly.

FIFA is dedicated to taking its environmental responsibility seriously. Issues such as global warming, environmental conservation and sustainable management are a concern for FIFA, not only in regards to FIFA World Cup but also in relation to FIFA as an organization.

FIFA - Federation Internationale de Football Association was formed in 1904 and based in Zurich