The United Nations General Assembly has designated May 25 as World Football Day, in celebration of the world’s most popular sport. The day is significant as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first international soccer tournament, which took place on May 25, 1924 during the summer Olympic games in Paris. The resolution was adopted by consensus by the 193-member General Assembly, with over 160 countries co-sponsoring the initiative. The U.N. Ambassador of Libya, Taher El-Sonni, emphasized the global significance of soccer, describing it as a universal language that transcends national, cultural, and socio-economic barriers.
El-Sonni highlighted the importance of soccer in promoting gender equality, social inclusion, understanding, tolerance, respect, and solidarity. The resolution recognizes the global impact of football in various spheres, including commerce, peace, and diplomacy, and acknowledges FIFA’s role in governing the sport at an international level. It also encourages countries to leverage soccer and other sports as tools to promote peace, development, and empowerment, particularly for women and girls. The resolution stresses the role of regional and national soccer federations in promoting the game and encourages the adoption of policies and programs to support football and physical activities.
On World Football Day, countries are encouraged to observe the occasion and disseminate the advantages of soccer through educational and public awareness activities. The resolution extends the invitation to all nations, U.N. bodies, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector to participate in celebrating the global impact of football. The initiative aims to showcase the positive aspects of the sport in promoting peace, development, and empowerment on a global scale. The designation of World Football Day underscores the vital role that soccer plays in fostering unity, cooperation, and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, the adoption of May 25 as World Football Day by the United Nations General Assembly signifies a global recognition of the importance of soccer in promoting unity, peace, and development. The resolution emphasizes the universal appeal of football as a sport that transcends boundaries and brings people together. By designating a specific day to celebrate the sport, the General Assembly aims to raise awareness about the positive impact of soccer on society and to encourage greater participation in sports activities. World Football Day serves as a reminder of the power of sports in fostering mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity among individuals worldwide.
