The modern game was codified in England following the formation
of the Football Association, whose 1863 Laws of the Game
created the foundations for the way the sport is played
today. Football is governed internationally by Fédération
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The most
prestigious international football competition is the World
Cup, held every four years. This event, the most widely
viewed and famous in the world, boasts twice the audience
of the Summer Olympics.
There are seventeen laws in the official Laws of the Game.
The same Laws are designed to apply to all levels of football,
although certain modifications for groups such as juniors,
seniors or women are permitted. The laws are often framed
in broad terms, which allow flexibility in their application
depending on the nature of the game. In addition to the
seventeen laws, numerous IFAB decisions and other directives
contribute to the regulation of football. The laws can be
found on the official FIFA website.