The Football Association
The oldest football association in the world, governing the beautiful game in England.
The Football Association (the FA) is the governing body of association football in England and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Formed in 1863, it is the oldest football association in the world and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the amateur and professional game in its territory.
Quick Facts
- Founding location
- Freemasons' Tavern, London
- Status
- Oldest national football association in the world
- Governs
- Association football in England
- National team responsibility
- England men's and women's teams
Lore & Background
The FA was formed at a series of meetings in the Freemasons' Tavern in London, starting on 26 October 1863. The first FA Cup Final was held at The Oval on 16 March 1872, between the Wanderers and the Royal Engineers. The FA is based at Wembley Stadium in London.
Reader's Guide
The FA facilitates all competitive football matches within its remit at national level, and indirectly at local level through the county football associations. It runs numerous competitions, the most famous of which is the FA Cup. It is also responsible for appointing the management of the men's, women's, and youth national football teams.
Did You Know?
- The FA is a member of both UEFA and FIFA and holds a permanent seat on the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
- As the first football association, it does not use the national name 'English' in its title.
- The FA has veto power over the appointment of the Premier League chairman and chief executive and over any changes to league rules.
More in Stadiums & Fan Culture
Elsewhere in England National Team
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