Who Invented Football? How Was It Played Before FA Rules? – [Must Read]

The game of football, also known as soccer, has a rich and historical origin dating back centuries. While it is difficult to pinpoint the sole individual responsible for inventing football, it has evolved over time through various cultures and civilizations, Sportxparte reports.

Football as we know it today is believed to have originated in England during the 19th century. An influential figure in the development of the modern game was Ebenezer Cobb Morley. Born on August 16, 1831, Morley is often regarded as the “Father of Football” for his significant contributions.

In 1863, Morley played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Football Association (FA), the governing body that standardized the rules and regulations of the game. He was instrumental in the formulation of the Laws of the Game, which laid the foundation for the global sport we enjoy today.

Ebenezer Cobb Morley

It is crucial to acknowledge that football has roots in ancient civilizations and cultures, where similar ball games were played, involving various rules and practices. For instance, ancient Egyptians played a game called “Harpastum,” ancient Greeks had “Episkyros,” and the Chinese had “Cuju.” These early forms of football, while different from the modern game, contributed to its eventual invention.

Therefore, attributing the invention of football to a single person would be inaccurate. Instead, it is more appropriate to recognize the collective efforts of countless individuals over centuries, who shaped and moulded the game into what it is today, Sportxparte reports.

The ongoing development and evolution of football continue to be influenced by numerous stakeholders worldwide, including players, coaches, referees, and administrators. It is their dedication, passion, and commitment that keeps football thriving as a beloved global sport, uniting people from all walks of life.

While it is impossible to name a single inventor of football, the game has evolved through centuries of contributions and adaptations. Ebenezer Cobb Morley’s role in establishing the FA and formulating the Laws of the Game remains significant. Ultimately, football is a testament to the collective efforts of countless individuals and cultures, making it one of the most popular and cherished sports in the world.

How Was Football Played Before FA Rules

It is truly remarkable to consider that it was not until 1870 that two enduring football regulations were introduced. One of these rules stipulated that goalkeepers would be the sole individuals permitted to handle the ball on the pitch, whereas previously, any player could freely pick it up, run with it, or throw it to a teammate. Consequently, the initial three decades of the sport, commonly referred to as ‘association football’, must have been characterized by utter chaos, with players dashing about the field devoid of any discernible structure to their gameplay.

Eleven – Eleven Players Per Team

Subsequently, it was mandated that each team could only field eleven players at any given time. During the early years of football, the team captains would mutually agree to field a varying number of players, ranging from 15 to 21, resulting in a highly informal ‘rule’ that invariably led to disorderly and imbalanced matches.

The Laws of Football were officially ratified in 1870 with the aim of standardizing the game and promoting professionalism and higher standards. In addition, certain outdated rules such as ‘carrying’ (running with the ball in hand) and ‘hacking’ (punting opposition players in the shins, within the boundaries of the law) were banned to reduce violence and enhance competitiveness.

Shortly thereafter, the inaugural international match between England and Scotland was held, adopting the new format of eleven players on each side. In 1872, the first-ever FA Cup tournament took place. Even to this day, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) remains responsible for determining the rules of football. According to their Law 3, a match is played by two teams, each consisting of a maximum of eleven players, with one designated as the goalkeeper.

FA Rules For Number Of Players

After decades without organization, the FA reeled out some rules which state the number of players to be on a team during matches. Sportexparte understands that a match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of eleven players; one must be the goalkeeper. A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players, according to FA rules.

According to FA – If a team has less than seven players due to deliberate departure from the field of play by one or more players, the referee is not required to halt the game, and the advantage may be played. However, if a team does not have a minimum of seven players, the match must not resume after the ball has gone out of play.

In the event that the competition regulations stipulate that all players and substitutes must be announced prior to kick-off, and a team commences a match with less than eleven players, only the players and substitutes listed in the starting line-up are eligible to participate in the match upon their arrival.