Football as it is known today, often called association football or soccer, was not invented by a single individual but developed over time. The modern standardized rules of football were established in England in 1863 by the Football Association (FA). Ebenezer Morley is recognized as the "father" of the Football Association and was instrumental in creating the first uniform set of rules, which helped codify and organize the sport. The FA meeting took place on October 26, 1863, in London, where representatives from 12 clubs agreed on these standardized rules, making organized football possible worldwide. Before this, various forms of football had existed for centuries in different cultures with differing rules. Ancient versions include the Chinese game "cuju" from around 206 BC, the Greek game "episkyros," and the Roman game "harpastum." These early games influenced the development of football, but it was England that formalized the modern game. In summary, modern football was shaped heavily by Ebenezer Morley and the English Football Association in 1863, building on a long history of football-like games from around the world.
If interested, the invention of American football is credited to Walter Camp, who adapted rugby and football rules in the late 19th century to create a distinct sport.
