1891
For the first time, referees were give control of football matches: previously two umpires, one from each team, made decisions and referees only arbitrated in cases of dispute. Also in 1891, the New Zealand FA was set up, and the first Inter-League match was played, between the Football League and the Football Alliance.

1892
In 1892, the FA made it illegal for players and club officials to bet on matches, and clubs became responsible for ensuring spectators were not betting either. Liverpool also set a record of going all season without defeat, winning the Second Division along with it. The record stood over 100 years, until Arsenal won the 2003/4 Premiership by going all 38 games without defeat, a total which extended over the previous and next season to 49 games unbeaten.

1895
The Belgian FA was formed in 1895, as was Brazil’s oldest club, Flamenge. Chile also discovered football. The original FA Cup was stolen from its display in a shop in Birmingham following Aston Villa’s victory. It was never recovered, and a new one was donated.

1896
Bulgaria are introduced to football, but the first club wouldn’t be set up until 1909, with their first international game in 1924.
1898
Further tactical changes saw dribbling and charging fade from the game in favour of teamwork.

1899
Transfers became a subject of great debate by the FA: a £10 limit on transfers was suggested, but nine years later a £350 maximum was instigated. This was quickly abandoned, as numerous loopholes made the rule all but useless. The growing popularity of the game also began to cause problems, with several major games being abandoned because the crowd encroached onto the pitch.
Another notable, though saddening landmark, was football’s first fatality: Welsh international D. Jones cut himself while training with Manchester City; lockjaw set in and he died.
A year later, the German FA was formed, and now has more registered players than England