Football is a universal game which brings many people from contrasting backgrounds, cultures and beliefs together. The game has captivated many and in the spirit and euphoria of the game has brought many nations together!

The oldest recorded history of the game can be traced to ancient China during the Han Dynasty (206BC to AD25). However, the commonly-accepted birthplace of the modern game called "Association Football" as we know it today, was England in the 19th century.

Football's international governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), was formed in 1904 with the objective of organising championship matches between professional teams of different nations. Starting with 7 National Football Associations (Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland), it has now grown to 204 affiliated National Associations. Each association is responsible for the administration of its own national league and cup competitions, for men and women alike. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) was established in 1892, making it the game's oldest National Association in Asia. FAS was affiliated to FIFA in 1952.

Over the last century, FIFA's scope as world football's governing body has evolved and vastly expanded over the years. FIFA not only actively promotes football through development programmes; it supervises international competitions and safeguards the sport and its good image. FIFA is responsible for ensuring that the game is played to one unified, intentionally applicable set of rules, the Laws of the Game.

This year the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will be commemorating 100 years of this "beautiful game". In this special centennial issue, some familiar sport "objects" such as the football field, the jersey, the soccer ball as well as a world map to symbolise a world bound by the universal game of football are featured in this set of stamps.