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Christiane Eisenberg
The World Football Association FIFA during the 20th century
Keywords: FIFA, Fußball als Entwicklungshilfe
Taking the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association, established in 1904) as an example, the author examines three principles of organization and action held by international sports associations: the membership principle (“one country – one association”), the principle of ideological and political neutrality (“no politics”), and, last but not least, the voting principle (“one country, one vote”). These principles were regarded as valid during the whole of the 20th century. The essay examines what political effects and side effects resulted from these principles, effects that were difficult to control for the people responsible. It is shown that the fact that the FIFA has always been guided by these principles has furthered an expansion of the functions of the FIFA during the last quarter of the 20th century. It is no longer just a sports association, but also a non-governmental organization which takes action in the field of development aid.
Vierteljahrshefte für Zeitgeschichte, Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag
Print ISSN: 0042-5702
Volume: 54, 02/2006
Pages: 209 - 230