The following are events in 1873 which are relevant to the development of association football. Included are events in closely related codes, such as the Sheffield Rules.

Events

* 8 March – England national football team, England defeat Scotland national football team, Scotland 4–2 at Kennington Oval in the second officially recognised international match. The first goal in international football is scored by William Kenyon-Slaney of England in the second minute. * 13 March – Foundation of the Scottish Football Association. * 29 March – Wanderers F.C., Wanderers retain the 1873 FA Cup Final, FA Cup after defeating Oxford University F.C., Oxford University 2–0 in 1873 FA Cup Final, the final at Lillie Bridge Grounds, Lillie Bridge in west London. The goals are scored by Arthur Kinnaird, 11th Lord Kinnaird, A. F. Kinnaird (27 minutes) and Charles Wollaston (80). * 18 October – The first-ever Scottish Cup tie is played between Renton F.C., Renton and Kilmarnock F.C., Kilmarnock, Renton winning 2–0. * The Offside (association football), offside law is amended to be applicable to a player who is offside when the ball is touched and played by a teammate, not when receiving the ball.

Clubs founded

England

* Chippenham Town F.C., Chippenham Town * Gainsborough Trinity F.C., Gainsborough Trinity * Halesowen Town F.C., Halesowen Town * Hanover United F.C., Hanover United, believed to be the first club called "United".

Domestic cups

Births

* 10 January – William Lambie (footballer), William Lambie (d. unknown), Scotland national football team, Scotland international forward in nine matches (1892–1897), scoring five goals. * 21 January – Ernest Needham (d. 1936), England national football team, England international half-back in sixteen matches (1894–1902), scoring three goals. * 23 February – Neilly Gibson (d. unknown), Scotland international in fourteen matches (1895–1905). * 14 March – George Raikes (d. 1966), England international goalkeeper in four matches (1895–1896). * 27 April – William Oakley (footballer), William Oakley (d. 1934), England international full-back in sixteen matches (1895–1901). * 1 June – Harry Rennie (d. 1954), Scotland international goalkeeper in thirteen matches (1900–1908). * 24 August – John Walker (footballer, born 1873), John Walker (d. 1937), Scotland international forward in five matches (1895–1904), scoring three goals. * 14 October – Jules Rimet (d. 1956), French football administrator. The 3rd President of FIFA (1921–1954) who would initiate the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, the Jules Rimet Trophy being named in his honour. * 8 November – Fred Forman (d. 1910), England international forward in three matches (1899), scoring three goals. * 25 December – Nicol Smith (d. 1905), Scotland international defender in twelve matches (1897–1902). * Full date unknown ** George Gregory (footballer), George Gregory (d. 1893), English professional footballer

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:1873 in Association football 1873 in association football, Association football by year