FIFA Formed in France but Snubbed by England
On May 21, 1904, FIFA, the renowned Federation Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, was formed in Paris, France. Tasked with overseeing international tournaments such as the World Cup, FIFA diligently upholds the integrity of the sport and enforces regulations to prevent misconduct.
Originally composed of founding members including Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, FIFA’s influence quickly expanded beyond Europe. Despite an earlier snub from England, which initially believed soccer should be governed solely by the English Football Association, the nation later joined in 1906, recognizing FIFA’s pivotal role in the sports globally.
FIFA’s membership base grew further with the addition of South Africa in 1908, Argentina and Chile in 1912, and Canada and the United States in 1913. Over time, many other nations from various continents of the world joined the body, contributing to FIFA’s current list of 205-member national associations.
The first FIFA World Cup event in 1930, held in Uruguay, marked a significant milestone in FIFA’s history as it solidified its status as the top organizer of elite soccer competitions. Now headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA leads development initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of soccer worldwide.
Bob Marley Given Grand State Burial
Also on this day in 1981, the revered Jamaican reggae icon, Robert Nesta Marley, O.M popularly known as Bob Marley was laid to rest in a carnival-like grand state burial after he died of cancer on May 11 at Miami. His final resting place was a newly constructed mausoleum in the tranquil village of Nine Miles, near Alexandria, St Ann, his birthplace years ago.
A festive atmosphere engulfed the National Arena in Kingston, where two funeral services were held earlier. Inside and outside the Arena, bustling vendors peddled soft drinks, fruits, and various Bob Marley memorabilia, from buttons adorned with his iconic image to wall-sized posters showing him posing.
The arrival of dignitaries including the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition elicited enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Governor General Sir Florizel Glasspole’s reading of the first lesson was marked by shouts of “Jah Rastafari” from the balcony, while Mr. Michael Manley received a warm ovation after his reading. Prime Minister Edward Seaga during his tribute announced the establishment of “Jamaica Park” for Jamaicans who had excelled internationally in sports, culture, and science, drawing a standing ovation from attendees.
In contrast to traditional somber funeral atmospheres, Marley’s service resonated with the lively beats of his music blaring from loudspeakers, prompting some to dance and sing.
Police presence was instrumental in managing the large crowd. To control the exit from the hall, the police forcibly removed people attempting to board buses and locked the Arena’s doors to regulate the influx of attendees.
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