A very important presentation to Jules Rimet by the French Football Federation in 1931 in the form of a bronze plaque by Abel La Fleur, the plaque sig

A very important presentation to Jules Rimet by the French Football Federation in 1931 in the form of a bronze plaque by Abel La Fleur, the plaque signed Abel La Fleur - Sculp -, cast with a scene of a football match above a pedestal supporting a football flanked by laurel and oak leaves, inscribed FFFA, VIS ANIMI CVM CORPORE CRESCIT, EN TEMOIGNAGE AFFECTUEUX A SON PRESIDENT, MONSIEUR JULES RIMET, OFFICIER DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR, JUILLET 1931, within a leather clad frame, the reverse with an easel support, 55 by 42cm., 21 3/4 by 16 1/2in. The award was presented in recognition of the work of Jules Rimet as President of the French Football Federation (FFF) and his 10th anniversary as President of FIFA. Rimet worked tirelessly to being about the inaugural World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930, the year before this presentation. This plaque was designed by the Abel La Fleur who had also been responsible for the design of the World Cup trophy, which was later to become known as the Jules Rimet Trophy. Jules Rimet (1873-1956) became President of the FFF in 1919 and President of FIFA in 1921. Rimet has been described as a diplomat, persuader, sometimes intransigent, but always devoted to the game of football. He remained President of the world governing body until 1954. In 1928 at the Amsterdam Olympic Games, where Uruguay retained their Olympic title in the football competition, it was agreed that a World Cup Tournament should take place. Being double Olympic champions - and effectively World Champions - Uruguay offered to host the event which in 1930 also coincided with the celebration of their 100th year of independence as a nation. Uruguay even paid the travelling expenses of the teams who made the journey to South America to take part. A new stadium was built in Montevideo (constructed in just 8 months!) and perhaps, fittingly, the host nation was crowned the first World Champions, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final. This plaque is a poignant piece of memorabilia relating to the 'Father of the World Cup' and his remarkable legacy.