Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style

What is FIFA?

Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The FĂ©dĂ©ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), founded in 1904, serves as the world’s governing body for association football (soccer). Headquartered in ZĂŒrich, FIFA boasts membership of more than 200 national football associations.

FIFA’s roles include setting the rules of play, establishing refereeing and coaching standards, and managing international player transfers. The organization is also responsible for organizing the men’s and women’s World Cups and other international tournaments. FIFA’s main legislative body is the FIFA Congress, where each national organization has one delegate. The Congress is responsible for electing the president, approving the budget, and choosing the location of future World Cup Tournaments. FIFA also promotes the global development of football.