Football, the beautiful game, is the most watched and played sport in the world. Every year, one day is particularly dedicated to celebrating it. This decision was made earlier this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the first-ever international football tournament.
On May 25, 1924, different footballing nations came together to compete in the Olympic Games in Paris. This occurred even before the FIFA World Cup was introduced, and although it may seem unfathomable now, it was a significant event at the time.
The success of the 1924 Olympics inspired change and helped establish international tournaments as a norm. To honor that moment and recognize its importance, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution A/RES/78/281 on May 7 this year, designating May 25 as World Football Day.
The United Nations recognized “the global reach of football and its impact in various spheres, including commerce, peace, and diplomacy.” They also acknowledged the role played by FIFA to make the sport as global as it has become today.
Through football, the United Nations called for countries all around the world to come together and strive for peace, prosperity, development, and empowerment of women and other communities that have long been discriminated against.
Which countries will celebrate World Football Day?
During its General Assembly session in May, the United Nations urged all member nations to recognize the significance of the day. It called on all UN system organizations, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector to celebrate World Football Day, which will mark its first anniversary on May 25, 2025.
What various leagues and teams around the world will do to celebrate Football Day, however, remains to be seen.
Who started it?
Over 160 countries jointly agreed to pass the resolution, which was introduced by Libya’s United Nations Ambassador, Taher El-Sonn. According to him, football is a universal language that brings people from all countries, races, and sections of society together.
El-Sonn wanted all member nations of the United Nations to use football as a tool to promote gender equality, eliminate racism and discrimination, and build harmony.
Why was 25th May chosen?
May 25, 1924, marked the start of the Olympic Games football event, with 22 teams from four confederations participating. It was the first-ever organized international football tournament and generated worldwide interest.
Today marks the Opening Ceremony of Paris 1924. Pictured here is, the men’s football team of Uruguay. Uruguay won a total of ten medals at the Olympics, with two gold medals in football. @AUFOficial @Uruguay @FIFAcom ⚽#Paris1924 pic.twitter.com/bVS6syRQfP
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) May 4, 2018
Uruguay won the gold medal (later becoming the winner of the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930), with Switzerland taking silver and Sweden earning bronze. The Netherlands finished in fourth place.
