With 208 associations affiliated to FIFA today, world football's governing body has rightly been dubbed the "United Nations of Football ". Between 1975 and 2002 alone, more than 60 associations were accepted as members.

FIFA supports the associations financially and logistically through various programmes and grants them a number of attractive rights and privileges. But they also have obligations. As representatives of FIFA in their countries, they must respect the statutes, aims and ideals of football's governing body and promote and manage our sport accordingly.