FIFA
FIFA stands for "Fédération Internationale de Football Association", which, translated from French, means "International Federation of Association Football". The full name is rarely used, and the acronym in more known. The FIFA World Cup, held since 1930, is one of soccer's most notable international tournament.

Although FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, was founded in Paris, on May 21st, 1904, with its first president being Robert Guérin, now it is based in Zürich, Switzerland, and its current president is, Sepp Blatter.

The first international competition organised by FIFA had taken place in 1906, altought with little succes following. After only 2 years, Guérin had been replaced with Daniel Burley Woolfall, an Englishman. The next tournament, which had taken place in 1908, had been more succesful, althought no professional footballers had played.

Following the succes in London, the membership of the organisation expanded, South Africa had been included in 1909, Argentina and Chile in 1912, and the United States of America and Canada the following year.

During World War I, many of FIFA's players had been sent off to war. Following the death of president Daniel Woolfall, Dutchman Carl Hirschmann took over his seat.
 
   
:: The Referee
It was determined in 1890, that the referee should not be a member of the participating teams, and that his decisions are final. The referee - who wears a distinctive jersey, such as golden-yellow, purple, or light blue - manages the match from the first kick untill the last minute of the game.
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:: The duration of a game
A game should last 90 minutes, divided in two 45 minute parts, with 15 minute break-time. The referee is allowed to add so-called injury time at his own discretion. This can lead to even 50 minute long half times. The one and only clock used is the referee's watch.
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:: Accessories
Every players' jersey must be tucked in, so it won't disturb them during gameplay. Many players ignore this rule, and they aren't punished for it.
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:: Stadium
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, renamed in honour of Giuseppe Meazza, Milan player of the 1930s and 1940s, is the home of A.C. Milan. Although renamed, it still is more commonly known as San Siro. It has a good atmosphere because of the large roof and the viewers being very close to the pitch.
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