FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the global governing body for association football and one of the most internationally significant organisations in world sport. It was founded on 21 May 1904 in Paris, France, following a meeting involving representatives of European national football associations. FIFA's membership has subsequently expanded to 211 national football associations, representing football across every continent. Its principal objectives include developing football worldwide, organising international competitions and protecting the integrity of the sport.
FIFA operates as an association registered under Swiss law and has its headquarters at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland. Its global structure extends considerably beyond Switzerland, with offices in Paris, Miami and Rabat as well as regional offices across different parts of the world. FIFA states that these offices support member associations and contribute to football development internationally. The organisation's administration comprises more than 850 people from more than 60 countries, while LinkedIn classifies FIFA within the 501–1,000 employee category.
One of FIFA's central responsibilities is the organisation and administration of major international football competitions. These include the FIFA World Cup™, FIFA Women's World Cup™, FIFA Club World Cup™, youth World Cups, Futsal World Cups and Beach Soccer World Cups. FIFA also establishes regulatory frameworks covering areas such as player status, transfers, disciplinary matters, competitions and football governance.
Football development is another major part of FIFA's activities. Through development programmes and cooperation with its 211 member associations, FIFA supports infrastructure, coaching, refereeing, talent development, education, technology and grassroots participation. The organisation also works on sustainability, human rights, anti-discrimination and social-responsibility initiatives connected with football.
FIFA's organisational structure includes the FIFA Congress and FIFA Council together with a professional administration led by the Secretary General. Its headquarters in Zurich remain the principal administrative centre, while its worldwide offices allow FIFA to maintain direct relationships with national associations and football stakeholders. Through its regulatory, development and competition functions, FIFA coordinates the international framework within which football is played and governed globally.