Facts & History
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About the Spanish Football Federation
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (Real Federación Española de Fútbol) is the governing body of football in Spain. The federation is located in Laz Rozas, a suburb of Madrid. It is in charge of organizing the Spanish National Team, as well as the Premier Division and Second Division ( Liga BBVA) . The federation also oversees major soccer competitions in Spain such as theCopa Del Ray, Supercopa de España, and Copa Federación.
Federation History
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF in Spanish) was created in 1909, and was modeled after the English federation. Representatives from different teams came together in Madrid to create the RFEF. At first the Spanish Football Federation’s primary goal was to organize the Spanish National Team, who players came from semi-professional and local competitions from different players in Spain. The Spanish Football Federation became members of FIFA in 1913.
Football grew in Spain during the 1920s as the Spanish National Team became successful during the Olympic Games. This resulted in more teams joining the football federation.
As a result Jose Maria Acha, director of Arenas Club de Roldan came up with the idea to create a national league in Spain, and in 1928 the first La Liga tournament was held. At first only 10 teams were picked to star in the league, most of which were winners of the Copa Del Rey and the Spanish Cup. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona became the first clubs to become successful in the newly formed league.
Currently the Spanish Football Federation (Real Federación Española de Fútbol) is one the federations largest in the world. Championship clubs such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are members of the association. The organization also put together the Spanish National Team which is playing in the Euro 2008.
Spain's National Teams
The Spanish National Team is the football team which represents Spain in international competitions. They are often amongst tournament favorites in prestigious competitions such the World Cup, but usually end up underachieving. Spanish legends such as Carlos Lapetra and Pep Guardiola have once worn the famous Spanish kits. Currently the Spanish National team is competing in the Euro 2008, with star forwards Fernando Torres and Cesc Fàbregas.
Federation Management
Ángel María Villa - president
Leagues
La Liga Liga BBVA Segunda División B
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