360The Football Association is founded and football's rules are written
On 26 October 1863, representatives of London football clubs met at the Freemasons' Tavern to found the Football Association and agree a single set of rules. Their 'Laws of the Game' separated association football, or soccer, from rugby, which allowed carrying the ball. Football became the world's most popular sport, played and watched by billions.
In the mid-19th century, many schools and clubs in England played football, but each used its own rules. Some allowed handling the ball and kicking opponents' shins, others did not.
On 26 October 1863, representatives of a dozen clubs met at the Freemasons' Tavern in London and founded the Football Association. Over several meetings they agreed the first Laws of the Game, published that December.
Clubs that wanted to carry the ball and tackle by hand left, and later formed the Rugby Football Union in 1871.
The FA started the FA Cup in 1871, now the oldest national football competition. The game spread through Europe, South America and the world. FIFA was founded in Paris in 1904, and the first World Cup was held in 1930.
- 26 October 1863
- The Football Association is founded
- December 1863
- The first Laws of the Game are published
- 1871
- The first FA Cup
- 1904
- FIFA is founded
Sources: The Football Association · FIFA · Britannica.