| It is over one hundred years since FIFA, the | | | | players and managers command earnings |
| Fédération Internationale de Football | | | | comparable with those of pop singers and |
| Association, was formed in Paris, France, in | | | | movie stars. |
| 1904. This was really the start of the | | | | |
| organised international game, and they must | | | | Soccer's popularity has developed, not just |
| have got it right, because the ever | | | | from fanatical supporters flooding through |
| increasing interest, in world football, is | | | | turnstiles into enormous arenas. Vast sums |
| truly amazing. | | | | of money are paid for live television and |
| | | | other rights. As a result, important games |
| From humble beginnings, the game has | | | | are watched by millions of armchair fans, |
| increased in popularity, to become the | | | | many of whom subscribe to satellite, and |
| sporting phenomenon it is today. If horse | | | | related media services. Air travel has |
| racing is the sport of kings, then football | | | | become less expensive and more accessible, so |
| is the king of sports! Every four years a | | | | that supporters can fly to support their |
| national team are crowned world champions to | | | | teams, wherever they are playing. |
| the delight of their loyal subjects. | | | | International football stars, frequently sign |
| | | | for clubs outside their home countries, and |
| Since its inception in 1930, the World Cup | | | | command massive transfer fees. |
| has been won, in almost equal measure, by | | | | |
| European and South American countries. | | | | There is no doubt that international football |
| However, talented players are emerging from | | | | is a mammoth business. From gate money to |
| other continents, Australia, Africa, Asia, | | | | mass media rights, sponsorships to replica |
| and even the United States, who hosted the | | | | team clothing, a sporting colossus has |
| major tournament in1994. Surely, it will not | | | | arisen. Children, and grownups as well, want |
| be long before a team from one of these other | | | | to wear the colours of their preferred |
| nations, comes out on top. | | | | players or clubs. They kick balls around in |
| | | | sports fields, parks, wasteland and quiet |
| Football clubs, such as Manchester United, | | | | streets. Young people practice and aspire to |
| Real Madrid, AC Milan and many others, | | | | develop that extra bit of expertise, that |
| reflect their host cities and have become | | | | would catapult them into a life of fame and |
| household names, far beyond their city | | | | riches. Most will go on to achieve other |
| confines. The most famous, of the many | | | | things but occasionally, a boy wonder will |
| professional players, are instantly | | | | appear, to dazzle and entertain, with the |
| recognisable. The sport has attracted rich, | | | | world at his feet! |
| and successful men as chairmen, and the best | | | | |