The FIFA Fair Play Day was called into being for the first time in 1997 and it has taken place annually ever since. In dozens of countries all over the world, various events are held, but are mainly local events and tournaments for children and youngsters, from grassroots to professional football.

In the scope of the activities on Fair Play Day, all FIFA member associations, plus their leagues and clubs, are asked to unite in support in words and action on and off the pitch to show the spirit of fair play. FIFA calls upon players, referees, fans and officials in their function as role models to be a shining example of fair play values for the rest of the world.

Activities directly run by FIFA during the FIFA Fair Play Day are:

1. National Fair Play campaigns with the aid of distributed FIFA Fair Play items
2. FIFA Fair Play flags on stadium and pitch
3. Fair play video clips for stadium giant screens
4. Teams' captains to promote the fair play message and address fans through a declaration
5. Stadium announcement of FIFA Fair Play Day celebration
6. Media releases and press conferences
7. Participation of players in delivering messages
8. Distribution of FIFA Fair Play items among media representatives and guests in stadiums

In 2004, the FIFA Fair Play Day was held for the first time on 21 September, to link its events to another special celebration: the United Nations International Day of Peace, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities around the world.

The most common way of commemorating the International Day of Peace is by observing a moment of silence or holding a special ceremony, but FIFA encourages its member associations to do this by gathering around a football pitch, highlighting the values of Fair Play, and reminding the football family of the meaning of peace and the need for commitment to its realisation.

Since 2004, the FIFA Fair Play Day is held throughout the week of 21 September, to enable all FIFA member associations to incorporate the related activities into the football fixtures in their respective countries, the majority of which are held at weekends.