FIFA

FIFA or Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the governing body of soccer. FIFA is most notable for the FIFA World Cup, which occurs every four years. The governing body also assigns rules for matches and is in charge of assessing penalties for breaking rules in international play.

FIFA was founded in Paris in 1904 when it became apparent that football needed an international governing body due to its rising popularity. Membership in FIFA was confined to Europe until 1909 when South Africa joined, followed by Argentina and Chile in 1912. The United States of America joined FIFA in 1913. FIFA currently has 208 member assicoations.