Timeline of association football

This page indexes the individual year in association football pages. Each year is annotated with one or more significant events as a reference point.

Pre 1870s - 1870s - 1880s - 1890s - 1900s - 1910s - 1920s - 1930s - 1940s - 1950s - 1960s - 1970s - 1980s - 1990s - 2000s - 2010s

Pre 1869s

1840s in football

The Cambridge Rules are created in 1848. Official referees appear for the first time in a football match, at a match held in Cheltenham in 1849, two in field and one in tribune.

1850s in football

Sheffield F.C., the first football club in the world, is founded in 1857. In 1857 the Sheffield Rules are also created.

1860s in football

British railway builders introduce football to Argentina. In 1860 the first non-British team in Europe was Lausanne Football and Cricket Club, of Switzerland. The Football Association is founded in 1863 (the first football association in the world), and it ratifies the original 14 rules of the game. In 1865 Nottingham Forest F.C. is founded. In 1865 Buenos Aires FC formed by British residents. The first ever football tournament, the Youdan Cup, is played by twelve Sheffield clubs in 1867; the Cromwell Cup, the second oldest football tournament in the world, takes place in 1868 with Sheffield Rules. Goal kicks are introduced in 1869.

1870s

1870 in football

First "goalkeepers", and passage from "dribbling game" to "passing game" is seen in club matches in Sheffield and London. The first international match arranged by the Football Association between England and Scotland on March 5, 1870 finishes in a 0-0 draw at the Kennington Oval in London. Combination Game developed by Royal Engineers AFC.

1871 in football

Charles William Alcock creates the Football Association Challenge Cup, the oldest cup tournament alive.

1872 in football

Scotland and England draw 0â€"0 in the first FIFA-recognized international football match, played at the West of Scotland Cricket Club. Wanderers beat Royal Engineers in the first FA Cup final. Kick corner and ball fixture is introduced by The Football Association. The first Welsh football club, Wrexham A.F.C., is founded. France introduced by English sailors playing in Le Havre and club formed.

1873 in football

The Scottish Football Association is founded. The offside law is changed so that an offside position is determined when the ball is played by a team-mate, rather than when it is received. Rangers F.C. is founded. Is defined the corner kick.

1874 in football

The FA authorizes referees to send players off for certain offences, and makes a rule requiring teams to change ends at halftime. The first shin pads are introduced. Aston Villa F.C. is founded.

1875 in football

The crossbar is introduced, replacing tape as the means of marking the top of the goal. Oxford University tour Germany and a number of German Universities take up the game (one of first countries to play under FA rules outside Britain).

1876 in football

Carlton Cricket Club (Canada) form football section and subsequently made tours of Britain.

1877 in football

The length of a match is set at 90 minutes.

1878 in football

Referees begin to use whistles. West Bromwich Albion are founded. Manchester United is founded as Newton Heath L&YR F.C. The first football match to be staged under electric floodlighting takes place at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, between two local representative teams. Everton Founded as St. Domingo's FC.

1879 in football

KjÃ¸benhavns Boldklub introduces itself as the first sports club in continental Europe. Sunderland A.F.C is founded.

1880s

1880 in football

Irish Football Association founded. Clubs charge for admission Players paid lost wages and expenses (players still part-time). Manchester City F.C. founded.

1882 in football

Queens Park Rangers FC is founded. Tottenham Hotspur F.C. is founded. Burnley F.C. is founded. The first club in Uruguay formed by English professor at Montevideo University; another club later formed by British railway engineers. Two-handed throw-in introduced.

1883 in football

Coventry City FC is founded.

1884 in football

Played for the first time the British Home Championship, the oldest tournament for national teams: the Scotland national team emerged as winner. Leicester City F.C. is founded as Leicester Fosse.

1885 in football

The Football Association legalises professionalism. The first non-European international was contested on 28 November 1885, at Newark, New Jersey, between the USA and Canada, the Canadians winning 1-0. Arbroath beat Bon Accord 36-0 in the Scottish Cup, a record which stands to this day.

1886 in football

The FAs of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland formed the International Football Association Board. The Football Association introduces a 'cross tape' between goalposts as a precedent to the 'crossbar'. The referee and the captain player for each team are introduced . Arsenal FC is founded.

1887 in football

Hibernian F.C. won the Football World Championship against Preston North End Football Club, 2-1 in Edinburgh. The first football team in South America was founded, Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata, Argentina. British introduce football to Russia. Hamburger SV is founded.

1888 in football

Renton F.C. won the Football World Championship against West Bromwich Albion Football Club, 4-1 in Glasgow. The Football League, the world's first national football league competition, is founded in England by Aston Villa director William McGregor. Celtic F.C. is founded.

1889 in football

The Royal Dutch Football Association and Danish Football Association are founded, the Danish one is the first non-British European football association. The Football Alliance is formed as a rival to The Football League. The first football association not admitted to FIFA is formed: the Cornwall County Football Association. Rosario Central, FIFA classic club, is founded.

1890s

1890 in football

The IFA Premiership (Irish League) is formed (NIFL Premiership). The Scottish Football League is formed. Goal nets used for the first time.

1891 in football

The penalty kick is introduced. Liverpool engineer John Alexander Brodie invents the football net Assistant referees are first introduced as linesmen. The first Oceanian football association is formed: the New Zealand Soccer. The first ever championship outside Britain take place in Argentina: AAF Championship. C.A. PeÃ±arol, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.

1892 in football

The Football League introduces a second division. Liverpool F.C. and Newcastle United F.C. are founded. The first Asian football association is formed: the Football Association of Singapore. Argentina is the first country outside Britain to inaugurate national championship.

1893 in football

Argentine Football Association is founded, the first South American football association. The first Italian club football team is founded: Genoa Cricket and Football Club. F.C. Porto, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.

1894 in football

Referee in complete control of game.

1894 in football

Floriana FC of Malta is founded.

1895 in football

Sunderland A.F.C. won the Football World Championship against Hearts of Midlothian F.C., 5-3 in Edinburgh. The Belgian Football Association is founded. The Gibraltar Football Association is founded. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.

1896 in football

Italy's first national championship is organised by the Italian Federation of Gymnastics. Played at the first Summer Olympics in Athens football as exhibition game. The match length is set to 90 minutes.

1897 in football

The Football League introduces automatic promotion and relegation between its two divisions. Italian giants Juventus F.C., FIFA Classic Club, was founded as Sport Club Juventus.

1898 in football

The Italian Football Federation is formed. CR Vasco da Gama and Standard de LiÃ¨ge are founded. Athletic Bilbao first club formed in Spain.

1899 in football

FC Barcelona, Club Nacional de Football and AC Milan, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded. The number of a football team Is defined to be 11 players.

1900s

1900 in football

FC Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona is founded. AsociaciÃ³n Uruguaya de FÃºtbol and German Football Association were founded. Borussia MÃ¶nchengladbach is founded. The first soccer club still alive in Brazil, Esporte Club Rio Grande is founded, on July 19. SocietÃ Podistica Lazio was founded on 9 January 1900 in Rome, officially changing name in 1925 SocietÃ Sportiva Lazio .

1901 in football

The match between Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and Hearts of Midlothian F.C. for the Football World Championship finish 0-0, in London. The first international match between South American national teams is played: Uruguay-Argentina 2-3. Club AtlÃ©tico River Plate, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. C.F. Pachuca is founded. Czechoslovak Football Association and Hungarian Football Federation are founded.

1902 in football

Hearts of Midlothian F.C. won the Football World Championship against Tottenham Hotspur F.C., 3-1 in Edinburgh. 26 people die and over 500 are injured when a section of the terracing collapses after a Scotland-England British Home Championship match at Ibrox Park; five Spanish clubs compete for the first Copa del Rey; the first Brazilian football league, the Campeonato Paulista is won by SÃ£o Paulo Athletic Club. Real Madrid, the FIFA 20th Century Club and FIFA Classic Club, was founded. The first North American football association (geographically South American but from ever affiliated to CONCACAF) is formed: the Guyana Football Federation. Olimpia AsunciÃ³n, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. Fluminense Football Club is founded. Is defined the penalty area.

1903 in football

The first international match between non-British European national teams: Hungary-Bohemia 2-1. BeÅŸiktaÅŸ J.K., GrÃªmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, Racing Club de Avellaneda and AtlÃ©tico de Madrid, are founded.

1904 in football

FIFA is founded in Paris on 21 May. The first football association geographically in North America is formed: the FÃ©dÃ©ration HaÃ¯tienne de Football. S.L. Benfica, Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas, FIFA Classic Clubs, and Argentinos Juniors were founded. Swedish Football Association is founded. Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) formed.

1905 in football

Galatasaray S.K. and Chelsea F.C. are founded. The Muratti Vase, the oldest tournament for FAs not admitted to FIFA, played for the first time, won by Guernsey; in this edition was played for the first time an international match between teams not admitted to FIFA too: Guernsey - Alderney 6-0. Club AtlÃ©tico Boca Juniors, FIFA Classic Club, Estudiantes de La Plata, Club AtlÃ©tico Independiente and Sport Club do Recife, FIFA Classic Club, are founded.

1906 in football

England join FIFA. Sporting Clube de Portugal is founded on 1 July.

1907 in football

FenerbahÃ§e S.K., Al-Ahly and Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C. are founded.

1908 in football

FC Internazionale, San Lorenzo de Almagro and Feyenoord Rotterdam, FIFA Classic Clubs, were founded. Manchester United are the champions of the Football League, their first of 18 domestic championships. For the first time, officially, is played a football tournament at the Summer Olympics in London, won by Great Britain team. Organized in Italy the Torneo Internazionale Stampa Sportiva, the first international football tournament for clubs, but not officially. Panathinaikos F.C. is founded.

1909 in football

Played for the first time in Italy the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy, considered officially the first international football tournament for clubs. R.S.C. Anderlecht is founded. Sport Club Internacional and Borussia Dortmund, are founded.

1910s

1910 in football

Club AtlÃ©tico VÃ©lez SÃ¡rsfield and Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, FIFA Classic Clubs, are founded. The Copa Centenario RevoluciÃ³n de Mayo 1910 played in (and won by) Argentina, is the first South American Competition with more than two national teams, and is considered unofficially the first Copa AmÃ©rica.

1911 in football

El Zamalek is founded. Anorthosis Famagusta is founded.

1912 in football

Goalkeepers banned from handling the ball outside their own penalty area. Santos FC, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.

1913 in football

Opposing players forced to stand at least ten yards away from a free kick. Royal Spanish Football Federation is founded. United States Soccer Federation is founded.

1914 in football

The oldest surviving club trophy soccer competition in the Americas, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is founded in the United States as National Challenge Cup and the Brooklyn Field Club (1898-1924) are crowned champions. Glentoran from Belfast win first ever European competition, the Vienna Cup. Brazilian Football Confederation is founded. Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras FIFA Classic Club is founded.

1916 in football

Uruguay win the first Copa AmÃ©rica, held in Argentina. CONMEBOL is founded. Club AmÃ©rica is founded.

1917 in football

Sport Clube UniÃ£o Torreense is founded.

1919 in football

Leeds United and Valencia CF are founded. The first African football association is formed: the FÃ©dÃ©ration Congolaise de Football-Association. French Football Federation. Polish Football Association is founded.

1920s

1920 in football

For the first time an African national team plays an international match, is also the first time that two national teams from two different continents play each other: Italy-Egypt 2-1, at the Summer Olympics in Belgium.

1921 in football

Cruzeiro Esporte Clube is founded. Egyptian Football Association is founded. The IFA Premiership (Irish League) is now the national league of Northern Ireland, following partition.

1923 in football

Bolton Wanderers defeat West Ham United in the first English FA Cup final played at Wembley Stadium, remembered as the White Horse Final because of the mounted police that kept spectators from encroaching onto the pitch.

1924 in football

Players allowed to score directly from a corner kick. For the first time a South American national team and a European national teams play each other: Uruguay-Yugoslavia 7-0, at the Summer Olympics in France. Uruguay wins the Gold Medal. For the first time an Oceanian national team plays an international match: Australia-Canada 3-2. Chinese Football Association is founded.

1925 in football

The offside rule is changed: a player is now onside if a minimum of two (instead of three) opposing players are between him and the goal line. Ã‰toile Sportive du Sahel, Colo-Colo and Olympiacos F.C. are founded.

1926 in football

Huddersfield Town become the first team to win the Football League in three consecutive seasons. ACF Fiorentina and APOEL FC are founded.

1927 in football

FC Dynamo Kyiv, FIFA Classic Club, is founded. C.D.S.C. Cruz Azul is founded. FederaciÃ³n Mexicana de FÃºtbol AsociaciÃ³n is founded. First League match broadcast on radio.

1928 in football

The Spanish Football League La Liga is formed. Its ten clubs include Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao. Uruguay wins the Gold Medal for the second time in a row. Al-Ittihad (Jeddah) is founded.

1929 in football

Italian Football League Lega Calcio Serie A is formed. Goalkeepers have to stand still on their lines for penalty kicks. Spanish Football league, La Liga is formed

1930s

1930 in football

Thirteen teams enter the first World Cup, held in Uruguay. The hosts beat Argentina 4â€"2 in the final. SÃ£o Paulo is founded (January 25). Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito is founded.

1932 in football

Football is excluded from the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California due to the low popularity of the sport in the USA at the time.

1934 in football

Hosts Italy become the second World Cup winners, beating Czechoslovakia 2â€"1 in the final. For the first time an Asian national team plays an international match: Egypt-Palestine 7-1, for the qualification to the World Cup.

1935 in football

SÃ£o Paulo is re-founded after a turbulent period (December 16); Deportivo Saprissa is founded.

1937 in football

The largest football crowd was recorded, 149,415 people turned up at Hampden Park, Glasgow to see Scotland play England

1938 in football

Italy retain the 1938 World Cup in France, beating Hungary 4â€"2 in the final. Argentina and Uruguay boycott the tournament as it is held in Europe for the second successive time. First live TV transmission of FA Cup Final.

1939 in football

Shirt numbering is made compulsory.

1940s

1941 in football

Is organized for the first time by CCCF the CCCF Championship, won and hosted by Costa Rica.

1945 in football

Red Star Belgrade, FIFA Classic Club, is founded.

1946 in football

The Burnden Park Disaster kills 33 Bolton Wanderers fans. The PFC is formed. JS Kabylie is founded.

1947 in football

Is organized for the first time by NAFC the NAFC Championship in Cuba, won by Mexico. AtlÃ©tico Nacional and FC Steaua BucureÈ™ti are founded.

1948 in football

CSKA Sofia is founded. Dinamo BucureÅŸti is founded.

1949 in football

The Superga air disaster kills 31 people, including 18 Torino players. Raja Casablanca is founded.

1950s

1950 in football

Uruguay win the 1950 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil, when they beat the hosts 2-1 in the final group match of the tournament, also known as the Maracanazo. Earlier in the same tournament, one of the biggest upsets in football history occurs, when the USA shocks England 1â€"0.

1951 in football

Use of white ball permitted. Played for the first time in Brazil the Copa Rio won by Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras considered, unofficially, the precursor of the Club World Cup, however is the first world tournament for clubs.

1952 in football

Hungary's revolutionary tactics help the Golden Team to win the football at the 1952 Summer Olympics. Is played for the first time the Panamerican Championship in Chile, won by Brazil.

1953 in football

England lose a home match for the first time, 6â€"3 to Hungary.

1954 in football

UEFA is founded in Basel, Switzerland; West Germany win the 1954 FIFA World Cup held in Switzerland (it was the first World Cup with a sponsor), coming back from 0-2 to win the final game 3-2 against Hungary, a match known as The Miracle of Bern; the Mighty Magyars go to Molineux Stadium and get beaten 3-2 after leading 2-0 at half time. This game was to set a foundation for the European Cup. Club Universidad Nacional is founded. Asian Football Confederation is founded.

1955 in football

First UEFA Champions League, won by Real Madrid. Played for the first time the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (won by Barcelona), considered the precursor of the UEFA Cup.

1956 in football

Real Madrid beat Stade de Reims-Champagne 4â€"3 in the first European Cup final, then UEFA Champions League; Stanley Matthews wins the first European Footballer of the Year award; first RAI TV's transmission match football Serie A in Italy from Fiorentina and SSC Napoli. The first Asian Cup is played in Hong Kong, won by Korea Republic. Saudi Arabia Football Federation is founded. Floodlighting used for first time at League match (Portsmouth). The "Ballon d'Or" is assigned for the first time.

1957 in football

CAF is founded; only three teams enter the first African Cup of Nations in Sudan, won by Egypt; in England the Busby Babes of Manchester United retain the Football League Championship. Al-Hilal is founded.

1958 in football

23 people, including eight Manchester United players, are killed in the Munich air disaster; PelÃ© and Garrincha star as Brazil win their first World Cup in Sweden, beating the hosts 5â€"2 in the final of the 1958 tournament.

1959 in football

Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. win their third league title in 6 years. Once Caldas is founded.

1960s

1960 in football

Real Madrid win their fifth consecutive European Cup. In France is played the first European Championship won by USSR. Is played for the first time the Intercontinental Cup, won by Real Madrid. Is played for the first time the Copa Libertadores won by C.A. PeÃ±arol. First European Cup Winners' Cup.

1961 in football

CONCACAF is founded with the fusion of CCCF and NAFC; Benfica become the second team to win the European Cup, beating FC Barcelona 3â€"2 in the final. ACF Fiorentina wons the first edition of UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and becomes the first Italian team to win an international title. Football Federation Australia is founded. Tottenham Hotspur become the first team in the 20th century to win the League and Cup Double, following Preston North End in 1888-89 and Aston Villa in 1896-97

1962 in football

Brazil retain the 1962 World Cup, beating Czechoslovakia 3â€"1 in the final. Is organized for the first time the CONCACAF Champions League won by Club Deportivo Guadalajara. FIFA's membership reaches 100 members.

1963 in football

The West German national league Bundesliga is formed; Lev Yashin becomes the first goalkeeper to win European Footballer of the Year. The first CONCACAF Championship is played in El Salvador, won by Costa Rica. Tottenham Hotspur become the first British club to win a European football competition, European Cup Winner's Cup beating Atletico Madrid 5-1 in the final.

1964 in football

Is organized for the first time the CAF Champions League won by Oryx Douala.

1965 in football

Dutch football team FC Twente is founded.

1966 in football

England win the 1966 World Cup as hosts, beating West Germany 4â€"2 in the final as Geoff Hurst becomes the first player to score a hat trick in the final. The OFC is founded.

1967 in football

Celtic become the first British club to win the European Cup, beating Internazionale 2â€"1 in the final. FlÃ³riÃ¡n Albert became the first Hungarian player who win the European Golden Boot. Is played for the first time the AFC Champions League, won by Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C..

1968 in football

Manchester United win the European Cup ten years after the Munich air disaster killed eight of their players; EusÃ©bio wins the inaugural Golden Boot award as the continent's top club scorer.

1969 in football

2000 die when El Salvador and Honduras declare war on each other following a World Cup qualifying match.

1970s

1970 in football

Brazil win their third World Cup in Mexico (the first national side to win the World Cup three times), the first ever held outside Europe and South America, beating Italy 4â€"1 in the 1970 World Cup final as their captain PelÃ© becomes the first player to win three World Cup medals. Yellow and red cards for expulsions and admonitions appear.

1971 in football

66 die in the second Ibrox disaster, The Brazilian National Championship First Season. First UEFA Cup. The Inter-Cities Fairs Cup is abolished. The first women international match was played in Hazebrouck on 17 April: France - Netherlands 4-0.

1972 in football

Rangers win the European Cup Winners' Cup. Tottenham Hotspur win the first UEFA Cup. AFC Ajax win the first edition of the UEFA Super Cup.

1973 in football

Ajax win the European Cup for the third consecutive season; Sunderland shock Leeds United 1-0 in the FA Cup final. The first OFC Nations Cup is organized and won by New Zealand.

1974 in football

Hosts West Germany win the 1974 World Cup, beating the Netherlands 2â€"1 in the final; Manchester United are relegated only six years after winning the European Cup.

1975 in football

Is organized for the first time in Hong Kong the AFC Women's Asian Cup won by New Zealand.

1976 in football

Bayern Munich win the European Cup for the third consecutive season. Iran national team win their third Asian Cup, all consecutive: a record who stands today.

1977 in football

Juventus become the first Italian club to win the UEFA Cup. The first FIFA U-20 World Cup is organized in Tunisia, and won by USSR.

1978 in football

Hosts Argentina win the 1978 World Cup, beating the Netherlands 3â€"1 in the final; Johann Cruyff refuses to play in the tournament.

1979 in football

Nottingham Forest lift their first European Cup in Munich, defeating MalmÃ¶ 1-0 in the final.

1980s

1980 in football

West Germany defeats Belgium 2â€"1 to take the European Football Championship.

1981 in football

The Football League begins awarding three points for a win instead of two. In Uruguay, to celebrate the 50 years of the World Cup, the 1980 Mundialito is organized, won by Uruguay.

1982 in football

Italy win their third World Cup title after a wait of 44 years, defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid: for the first time countries from all continents played it. Aston Villa win the European Cup, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the final.

1983 in football

Aberdeen beat Real Madrid to win their first European Trophy, the European Cup Winners' Cup soon followed by defeating Hamburg to win the European Super Cup. The OFC Women's Championship is played for the first time in New Caledonia, won by New Zealand.

1984 in football

Michel Platini leads Juventus to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, beating F.C. Porto in the final and the hosts France to the European Football Championship, beating Spain in the final; France also win the gold medal in the 1984 Olympic Games, beating Brazil in the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The UEFA Women's Championship is organized for the first time, won by Sweden.

1985 in football

The Bradford City stadium fire occurs at Valley Parade taking the lives of 56 people and injuring another 200 during Bradford City's fixture with Lincoln City; The Heysel Stadium disaster takes place in Brussels at the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus F.C., leading to English clubs being banned from European club competition; The Old Lady became the first club in the history of European football to have won all three major UEFA competitions after defeating reds 1-0 in the European Cup final. For the first time, an African squad wins a FIFA tournament, the World Championship Under 16, as Nigeria surprisingly defeat favourites West Germany 2-0 in China. On 8 December Juventus become the firstâ€"and remains the only at presentâ€"club in the world to have won all possible official continental competitions and the world title after defeating Argentinos Juniors 6-4 (2-2 aet) in the Intercontinental Cup final at National Stadium in Tokyo. Is organized for the first time the Artemio Franchi Trophy, won and hosted by France. Michel Platini won for the third consecutive time the Ballon d'Or (also known as European Footballer of the Year award), a record who stands still today.

1986 in football

The 1986 World Cup finals are played for the second time in Mexico, with Argentina defeating West Germany 3-2 for their second title at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City; the tournament sees the dominance of Argentinian player Diego Maradona, scoring the infamous Hand of God goal, before his "Goal of the Century" solo dribble second goal, both in the quarterfinal against England. Alex Ferguson, the most decorated manager in English Football history, is appointed to be manager of Manchester United.

1987 in football

F.C. Porto win the European Cup for the first time after defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final at Prater Stadium in Wien; in the second World Championship FIFA Under 16, the Soviet Union defeat Nigeria on penalties. Is played for the first time the OFC Champions League won by Adelaide City. Played for the first time an international match (friendly) between two women's teams not admitted to FIFA: Ã–land - Ã…land Islands 0-2.

1988 in football

The Netherlands, led by captain Ruud Gullit and top goal scorer Marco van Basten, defeat the Soviet Union 2â€"0 to win the Euro 1988 championship. Start of the FIFA Fair Play campaign. Former Zambian footballer, coach and current president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)Kalusha Bwalya named African Footballer of the Year in 1988 by the magazine France Football.

1989 in football

The Hillsborough disaster occurs in Sheffield, England, before the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, resulting in the loss of 96 lives. A football tournament is played for the first time at the Island Games, by FAs not admitted to FIFA, hosted and won by Faroe Islands. Played in Miami, U.S.A., the Zenith Data Systems Challenge Trophy won by Arsenal FC against Independiente and considered as an unofficial World Club Championship. Saudi Arabia win the Under 17 FIFA World Cup: for the first tima an Asian team win a FIFA World Cup.

1990s

1990 in football

West Germany win the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Rome, Italy, defeating defending champion Argentina 1â€"0 in the final; "Waterloo Day" for Austrian football in Euro 92 qualifying at Landskrona, Sweden, where the Faroe Islands defeat Austria 1â€"0 in the former's first ever international match. The first black footballer to have a transfer of Â£1million, Justin Fashanu comes out as gay.

1991 in football

In the inaugural Women's World Cup held in China, the USA win 2â€"1 over Norway (for the first time a Northern American team win a World Cup). After being banned for six years, English clubs are again allowed to participate in competitions sponsored by UEFA. Diego Maradona is banned for 15 months in Italy's Serie A after testing positive for cocaine in a drug test. The CAF Women's Championship is played for the first time won by Nigeria. The CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup is played for the first time in Haiti, won by USA. The Sudamericano Femenino is played for the first time, the main CONMEBOL women's tournament, hosted and won by Brazil. The FIFA World Player of the Year is assigned for the first time.

1992 in football

The back-pass rule is applied, whereby a goalkeeper is no longer permitted to pick up or catch a ball played directly by a fellow team member's foot; In the final of Euro 92, Denmark surprisingly win 2-0 over Germany; Stadium Furiani disaster takes place in Bastia, Corsica; FA Premier League created as the top flight in English Football. Leeds United were champions of England. The first FIFA Confederations Cup is organized in Saudi Arabia, and won by Argentina.

1993 in football

Olympique de Marseille becomes the first French club to win the European Cup, newly renamed as the UEFA Champions League, defeating AC Milan 1â€"0 at the Olympiastadion in Munich. Marseille also win Ligue 1, but are stripped of the title due to a corruption scandal; 18 members of the Zambia national team die in a plane crash. Manchester United win the first FA Premier League title, their first of a record eleven titles. Brian Clough retires from his coaching role in Nottingham Forest after 18 years as coach.

1994 in football

In the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Brazil win their fourth title, defeating Italy on penalties in the final held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California (the first World Cup Final to be decided on penalties). Manchester United coaching legend Matt Busby dies after a heart attack.

1995 in football

The second FIFA Confederations Cup is organized in Saudi Arabia, and won by Denmark. The Bosman ruling allows all footballers playing in the European Union and not under contract to freely change clubs, and also abolishes foreign player quotas with respect to EU nationals. Norway win the second FIFA Women's World Cup; Eric Cantona is suspended for six months by The FA for kicking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons. Suwon Samsung Bluewings is founded.

1996 in football

Bayern Munich becomes the third club in the history of European football to have won all three major UEFA competitions after winning the UEFA Cup; In the Euro 96 final, Germany defeat the Czech Republic 2â€"1 with a golden goal from Oliver Bierhoff; Nigeria become the first African team to win the Olympic Tournament. Is played for the first time a football women's tournament at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, won by USA. Brazil get the world record of most consecutive matches without loss: 35 matches (equals in 2009 by Spain).

1997 in football

Helenio Herrera, legendary trainer of Inter in the 1960s dies.

1998 in football

In the 1998 FIFA World Cup final, France win 3-0 over Brazil at Stade de France to claim their first World Cup. Palestinian Football Federation is admitted to FIFA. The first openly gay footballer, Justin Fashanu commits suicide.

1999 in football

Manchester United win the Champions League, FA Cup and Premiership to cap off a historical "Treble", their manager, Alex Ferguson is Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the game of football.; the USA, the hosting nation, defeat China in a penalty shootout to win the Women's World Cup in front of the largest crowd ever to witness a women's sporting event. Organized in Italy by UEFA the first continental tournament for regions: the UEFA Regions' Cup, won by Veneto. Mexico win the Confederation Cup: for the first time a male national team form Northern America win a FIFA tournament. Is abolished the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

2000s

2000 in football

France win their second European Championship title after beating Italy 2â€"1, with a golden goal in extra time; First FIFA Club World Cup, won by Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. FIFA Player of the Century, a one-off award created by FIFA to decide the greatest football player of the 20th century, was awarded to Pele and Diego Maradona, shared: the two men are both officially considered winners of this award.

2001 in football

Real Madrid sign playmaker Zinedine Zidane of Juventus in a world record transfer fee of 72 million euros; Colombia won the 40th edition of Copa AmÃ©rica, held in Colombia. Is played for the first time a women's football tournament at the Island Games in Isle of Man, for FAs not admitted to FIFA, won by Faroe Islands. Australia national team beat American Samoa 31â€"0 in the World Cup Qualification, is the World Record in an international match, record which stands to this day.

2002 in football

Brazil set up a record fifth title in World Cup competition, the first ever world cup played in Asia (also the first World Cup outside Europe and the Americas), defeating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 FIFA World Cup final, Germany concede 2 goals in a match for the first time in that tournament, a result of Oliver Kahn's torn ligaments in his right ring finger. The first FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship is held in Canada, with the USA defeating the hosts in the final 1-0 on a golden goal in extra time.

2003 in football

Maldini makes football history by captaining AC Milan to a champions league victory, a feat his father did with AC Milan exactly 40 years before. Founded the NF-Board, the first international organization for FAs not admitted to FIFA. Rangers win their 50th League Championship. Latvia is the first football team from the Baltic states, which made its first appearance in a major football competition - Euro 2004.

2004 in football

Greece produce one of the shocks in football history and become surprise winners of the UEFA Euro 2004 football tournament, defeating the host nation Portugal 1-0 in the final. Waitakere United is founded. Arsenal completed the 2003-04 FA Premier League unbeaten.

2005 in football

The Champions League final in Istanbul sees Liverpool come back from a 0â€"3 half-time score to defeat A.C. Milan 3â€"2 in a penalty shootout, following a 3-3 draw. Also, a match-fixing scandal rocks German football, though it does not directly affect the First Bundesliga. Arsenal was named "The Invincibles" for their 49 league matches unbeaten run. The Australian A-League is launched in replacement of the 'NSL' to improve the quality of the game in the country.

2006 in football

2006 FIFA World Cup is held in Germany and won by Italy on a penalty kick shootout over France; Zinedine Zidane plays his last professional game in the final captaining France only to be sent off in extra time, Ronaldo beats gerd muller's record with 15 goals in world cup finals; a major match-fixing scandal erupts in Italy, with five Serie A teams implicated; Egypt record victory for the fifth time in the African Cup of Nations; the U-19 Women's World Championship increases its age limit to 20 effective with this year's event in Russia, won by Korea DPR. Played in Occitania (France) the first edition of VIVA World Cup, won by Sapmi. Organized also the other two world cups for unrecognized countries: the FIFI Wild Cup in Germany (the first World Cup for FAs not admitted to FIFA) and the ELF Cup in Northern Cyprus, both won by Northern Cyprus.

2007 in football

Brazil won the 42nd edition of Copa AmÃ©rica, held in Venezuela; FIFA Women's World Cup is held in China and won by Germany. On 9 November Ã‰toile Sportive du Sahel became the first African squad to have won all official club competition recognized by Confederation of African Football after defeating Al-Ahly 3â€"1 in the CAF Champions League final in Susa (Tunisia). Founded the first continental confederation, in South America, for FAs not admitted to FIFA, the CSANF, and is affiliated to NF-Board. Emirates Cup is founded by Arsenal. The Venezuelan Primera DivisiÃ³n expand from 12 to 18 teams by FIFA and Conmebol recommendation using the new stadiums make to 2007 Copa AmÃ©rica.

2008 in football

Spain win their second European Championship title after beating Germany 1â€"0. Manchester United accomplish a European Double by winning both the Champions League and the Premier League, moreover in December they also won the FIFA Club World Cup. Is played for the first time the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in New Zealand, won by Korea DPR. Is played for the first time the Women's Viva World Cup, the first World Cup for women's national teams not affiliated to FIFA, hosted and won by Sapmi. Organized also the first Non-Fifa continental tournament: the Europeada in Europe, won by South Tyrol. Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C. win Unibond Division 1 North. CONCACAF Champions Cup is replaced by the CONCACAF Champions League, modelled after the UEFA Champions League expand his participant teams from 8 to 24. Abu Dhabi United Group purchase Manchester City F.C.. With excellent transfer funds made available, City turn from a mid-table club into one of Europe's top teams.

2009 in football

The FIFA Confederations Cup is won by Brazil and is held in South Africa (for the first time a FIFA tournament for senior national teams is held in Africa): for the first time an African side, Egypt, beat Italy (1-0, Group stage). The Spanish national team get two world records: most consecutive wins (15) and most matches without a loss (35, with Brazil). Is founded the IFU, International Football Union, an international football confederation for nations and territories not admitted to FIFA. On September, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, an organization recognized by FIFA, has published a continental Clubs of 20th Century ranking. Within a year, Barcelona has won all 6 possible trophies they can get: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de EspaÃ±a, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup (is a series of triumphs never happened before).

2010s

2010 in football
- The FIFA World Cup is held in South Africa, the first African nation to host the tournament.
- Spain win the FIFA World Cup for the first time, becoming the first European nation to win the tournament outside Europe.
- The FIFA Ballon d'Or is awarded for the first time (to Lionel Messi) after France Football's Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award were merged.
- Egypt win the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in a row.
- Inter Milan win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time, beating TP Mazembe, the first African club to reach the final.
2011 in football
- Japan defeat the United States in the FIFA Women's World Cup final to win the tournament for the first time.
- The Copa CSANF, organized by Consejo Sudamericano de Nuevas Federaciones, is played for the first time. The Juan Fernandez Islands emerge as winners in the final match, beating AymarÃ¡ on penalty kicks.
- Barcelona win the FIFA Club World Cup for a then-record second time, beating Santos in the final.
2012 in football
- unfancied Zambia, the Southern African regional body's 2014 COSAFA Champions, defeated third-time finalists CÃ´te d'Ivoire after a dramatic penalty shootout in the final,giving Zambia their first continental title, becoming the fourteenth nation to win the tournament. The Zambian team dedicated their win to the members of the national team who died in a plane crash near the final's venue in Libreville in 1993.
- Tahiti win the OFC Nations Cup for the first time, becoming the first nation other than Australia or New Zealand to win the tournament.
- The 2012 VIVA World Cup, played in Iraqi Kurdistan, with 9 participants, held the largest number of participating teams for a non-FIFA tournament. The hosts emerge as winners in the final match played against Northern Cyprus, who fail to win a non-FIFA tournament in which they took part for the first time.
- Spain win the 2012 European Championship: for the first time the trophy was won by the same team twice in a row.
- Lionel Messi scores 91 goals, establishing the new world record for most goals scored in a single calendar year, surpassing Gerd MÃ¼ller's record of 85 set in 1972.
- Corinthians win the FIFA Club World Cup for the second time, beating Chelsea in the final.
2013 in football
- Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time, ending their 19-year wait after defeating surprise finalists Burkina Faso.
- Nigeria win the FIFA U-17 World Cup for a record fourth time.
- Bayern Munich win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time, beating Raja Casablanca in the final.
2014 in football
- Japan win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time.
- The FIFA World Cup will be held in Brazil for the second time, who will be the first South American nation to host the tournament in 36 years.
- The FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup will be held in Canada, who will be the first nation to host the tournament twice.
- Germany won both competitions above.
- Real Madrid win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time, beating San Lorenzo in the final.

Timeline of association football

Saturday, March 21, 2015