Association football

Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played with a spherical ball between two teams of eleven players. It is played by approximately 250 million players in over 200 countries and dependencies, making it the world's most popular sport. The game is played on a rectangular field called a pitch with a goal at each end. The objective of the game is to score by moving the ball beyond the goal line into the opposing goal.

History

The history of association football, or soccer, can be traced back to the ancient times, but the modern version of the game began to take shape in the mid-19th century. It was in England where football and the Football Association were founded in 1863, making it the oldest football association in the world. The rules known as the Laws of the Game were also established, which have largely remained the same since their inception.

Rules

The rules of association football are simple. The game is played using a spherical ball, with two teams of eleven players each. The players can use any part of their body except their hands or arms to move the ball. The only player who can use their hands is the goalkeeper, but only within the penalty area that surrounds the goal.

A match consists of two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied, the match may be drawn, or the game may go into extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the format of the competition.

Competitions

The most prestigious competition in association football is the FIFA World Cup, held every four years. It features international teams from around the globe competing for the title of world champions. Other significant competitions include the UEFA Champions League, the Copa Libertadores, and various domestic leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain, and Serie A in Italy.

Governing Bodies

The global governing body for association football is the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which oversees international competitions. Continental associations such as the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) manage the sport at the regional level, while national associations are responsible for football within their respective countries.

Popularity

Association football's popularity can be attributed to its simplicity and minimal equipment requirements, making it accessible to people from all walks of life. The sport's global appeal has also been boosted by international competitions and the star power of players like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Culture

Football has a significant impact on global culture, influencing everything from fashion to politics. It has the power to unite people from different backgrounds in support of their teams, creating a sense of community and belonging. However, the sport has also been the source of controversy, including issues related to governance, corruption, and fan violence.

See Also

• Football Association
• FIFA World Cup
• UEFA Champions League
• Copa Libertadores
• Fédération Internationale de Football Association