The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the most prestigious sports body in the world. Founded in 1904 in Paris, FIFA oversees the World Cups, international player transfers, coaching, and refereeing. With more than 200 members worldwide, FIFA promotes various international tournaments and video games. For football/soccer fans and enthusiasts, here are some lesser-known facts about FIFA.
1. FIFA Made One of the Lowest Grossing Films in History
In 2015, FIFA released a movie titled United of Passions. The film was dubbed self-congratulatory by critics because it solely praised the organization. Since it was released during FIFA’s infamous scandal, the movie grossed only $918 in its opening weekend. FIFA spent $29 million making the movie starring Tim Roth.
2. FIFA is a French Abbreviation
If FIFA were to be named in English, its abbreviation would have been IFAF. However, it was named in French because it was founded in France. The fact that FIFA isn’t named in English is interesting because football originated from England.
3. 1.5 Billion People Watched the FIFA 2022 World Cup Final
FIFA released a report claiming that the 2022 World Cup Final was watched live by 1.5 billion people. They also mentioned that at least 5 billion people engaged with the entire tournament. These figures are way higher than those of the Super Bowl, which attracts millions of viewers.
4. FIFA is Not Solely in Charge of Making Football Rules
Even though FIFA has a list of laws that its members adhere to, it’s not solely in charge of making these rules. Every country has its football governing body. These bodies work with FIFA to create and enforce the set laws.
5. The Game FIFA 2001 Smelled Like a Football Pitch
PlayStations FIFA 2001 had a scratch and sniff disc that was perfumed to smell like a football stadium.
6. Greenland Can’t Join FIFA Because the Country Can’t Use Grass on the Pitches
Even though football is a popular sport in Greenland, the country isn’t a member of FIFA. The reason behind this is the extreme climatic conditions experienced in Greenland. Pitches can’t be built in Greenland because the melting ice will fill the turf with water reaching as high as the ankles. The existing turfs have ash and sand on the floors. Also, football can only be played in Greenland from May to September.
7. Paul the Octopus Made 12 Correct Predictions for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
In 2010, Paul the Octopus became an international sensation after correctly predicting 12 games at the FIFA World Cup. During this time, Paul would be provided with two food boxes, each marked with a particular flag. The food box he picked would be considered as the prediction. Of the 14 games Paul predicted, 12 were correct, including the final between Spain and the Netherlands. Unfortunately, he died at an aquarium in Germany.
8. Traffic Lights Inspired Yellow and Red Cards in FIFA Football Games
Ken Aston, a FIFA referee, is credited with introducing the yellow and red card system in football. After refereeing a controversial game, Ken was inspired by traffic lights on a stoplight. He thought to himself that yellow would signal players to take things easy, whereas red cards would send them off the pitch. Ken’s discovery made refereeing easier, especially when language barrier was a huge problem.
9. FIFA Referees Run 6 to 8 Miles Every Game
For most fans, their main attention is usually on the players. However, little do people know that FIFA referees run more miles per game than some players. All this is done while they are scrutinizing every move.
10. The FIFA Trophy is Worth $20 Million
Out of all the coveted trophies in the world, the FIFA trophy is the most expensive. It is estimated to have a value of $20 million. That doesn’t come as a surprise because it contains gold worth $250,000. Because it is so expensive, there is only one golden version of the FIFA trophy. Winning countries are allowed to keep a bronze replica. The decision to give winning countries a replica was introduced after Brazil’s original version was stolen in 1970.
11. FIFA Has More Members Than the UN
To prove how popular soccer/football is, FIFA has more members than the United Nations. Currently, the UN has 193 members, whereas FIFA has 211 national associations.
12. Max Verstappen was Ranked 31st in FIFA’s Ultimate Team Game Mode
Despite being a Formula One racer, Max Verstappen dominated the FIFA Ultimate Team game mode in 2018. He was ranked 31st globally. Considering how many people participate in this game, this is no easy accomplishment. In 2019, he was ranked in the 21st position.
13. FIFA is a Registered Charity
In Zurich, Switzerland, where FIFA headquarters are based, FIFA is a registered charity. Therefore, it remits very little tax to the government. However, it reinvests its proceeds into bettering football.
14. The Globalization of FIFA was Done Under President Joao Havelange
Sepp Blatter’s predecessor, Joao Havelange, is the president who globalized FIFA. During Joao’s reign, he increased opportunities for Asian and African countries. This has led to more nations joining the organization.