Estonian FA celebrates its centenary

The association was founded on 14 December 1921 by nine representatives (Bernhard Abrams, Karl Akel, William Fiskar, Julius Reinans, Oskar Raudsep, Otto Silber, Hans Roost, Verner Eklöf and Vladimir Tell) of three clubs (Estonian Sports Society Tallinna Kalev, Tallinn Football Club and Gymnastics Society Tallinn Sport). The EFA’s first chairman was Gustav Laanekõrb.

The Estonian FA became a member of FIFA in 1923 and of UEFA in 1992. After being disbanded as a result of Estonia’s occupation after World War II, the association was re-established on 3 December 1988.

Birthday souvenirs

EFA

At the end of last summer, a special postage stamp dedicated to the 100th birthday of the Estonian Football Association was issued, depicting its insignia.

That was followed at the end of the year by a commemorative calendar illustrated with caricatures of people who have made a significant contribution to Estonian football, including former national team players as well as current players and coaches.

Orders of merit

Among the other celebrations, the public broadcasting channel will air a one-hour special dedicated to Estonian football, and the EFA will award orders of merit in gold and silver to individuals whose actions have helped Estonian football grow.

Next year, various activities are planned to mark the important anniversary. An 800-page book on the history of Estonian football will be published, while in the summer, an exhibition match will take place with players who played for the country in the past 30 years.