In 2024, the world celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament involving teams from all regions, held on May 25, 1924, at the Paris Summer Olympics. To honor this milestone, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/78/281 on May 7, 2024, proclaiming May 25, World Football Day.
The resolution and its importance
The resolution recognises “the global reach of football and its impact in various areas, including trade, peace and diplomacy”. It highlights how football creates a space for cooperation and recognises the fundamental role of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and regional and national football federations in promoting the game.
The resolution encourages all countries to support football and other sports as tools to promote peace, development and the empowerment of women and girls. It also calls for the adoption of policies and programmes to promote football and physical activities.
Global celebration of World Football Day
World Football Day invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, international organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector to celebrate this day according to national priorities. The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of football through educational activities and public awareness.
Why May 25?
May 25 was chosen to commemorate the centenary of the first ever international football tournament at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. This historic event marked a milestone in the history of football, making it the perfect date to celebrate the sport’s global appeal.
Adoption of the UN resolution
The resolution was enthusiastically received by the 193-member General Assembly, with more than 160 countries co-sponsoring it. Libyan Ambassador to the United Nations Taher El-Sonni introduced the resolution, highlighting the role of football as a universal language that bridges divides of nationality, culture and socio-economic status. El-Sonni highlighted the importance of football in promoting gender equality, social inclusion, unity, tolerance and mutual respect.
