Origins & Early Life

Sir Stanley Ford Rous (25 April 1895 – 18 July 1986) was an English international football referee and administrator. He served as secretary of the Football Association from 1934 to 1962 and then served as the 6th president of FIFA from 1961 to 1974. Rous was born in Mutford near Lowestoft in East Suffolk and attended Sir John Leman School in Beccles. He was the eldest son of a provision master.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He trained as a teacher in Beccles before serving in World War I as a non-commissioned officer in the 272nd Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery (East Anglian) in France, Palestine, Egypt, and Lebanon. After the war Rous attended St Luke's College in Exeter and then became a sports teacher at Watford Boys Grammar School. Rous played football at amateur level as a goalkeeper for clubs including Kirkley and Lowestoft Town, but was forced to retire from playing after breaking a wrist. He developed an interest in refereeing whilst watching Norwich City and later qualified as a referee while studying at St Luke's and became a football league referee in 1927. He officiated in his first international match, a 2–0 friendly win for Belgium against the Netherlands, in the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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