The establishment of the Eretz Israel football association

The Eretz Israel Football Association was established on 14 August 1928 and became an official member of FIFA in May, 1929. The establishment of the Association culminated an extended process including efforts extending throughout the 1920s to institutionalise football in Eretz Israel. This article describes these efforts and the phases of institutionalising football in Eretz Israel in the 1920s; the contribution of the Russians, British, French, and Egyptians; and the rivalry between Hapoel and Maccabi, all of which ultimately contributed to the establishment of the Israel Football Association (IFA).