First FIFA Congress and Election of Guérin

The first FIFA Congress marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of international football governance. Held in 1904, this congress brought together representatives from several national football associations, laying the groundwork for the future of the sport. During this inaugural meeting, Maurice Robert Guérin was elected as the first president of FIFA, a role that would shape the organization’s direction. Alongside him, Victor E. Schneider from Switzerland and Carl Anton Wilhelm Hirschmann from the Netherlands were appointed as vice-presidents, with Ludvig Sylow from Denmark also playing a significant role in the proceedings. The congress established key statutes, including the stipulation that only FIFA could organize international matches, which centralized control over international football competitions. Additionally, it was decided that each national association would contribute an annual fee of 50 French Francs, ensuring a financial foundation for the organization. These early decisions were crucial in promoting cooperation among nations and standardizing the rules of the game, which had been inconsistent across different regions. The congress set the stage for FIFA to grow into a global governing body, influencing the development of football worldwide.