[6] When these had to be discontinued for reasons which were not officially told, the organisation published its material in a series of multi-lingual books in co-operation with sponsors.

[9][10][11][12] In 2008, Karl Lennartz, a sports historian and professor at the University of Cologne, Germany, called the organisation "obscure", describing it as a one-man show of its founder Alfredo Pöge.

[13] IFFHS rankings and their significance have been a matter of criticism and the largest German news agency, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, refuse to publish them.

In continental competitions, all clubs receive the same number of points at all stages regardless of the performance level of their leagues.

The point assignment system is still lower for the AFC, CAF, CONCACAF and OFC continental tournaments.

In 2009, the IFFHS released the results of a statistical study series which determined the best continental clubs of the 20th century.

These clubs were awarded with a golden trophy and a certificate during the World Football Gala celebrated at Fulham, London, on 11 May 2010.

IFFHS gave out an award decided by votes which was conducted with the participation of journalists and former players (no further details given).

The final list includes the 18 players who scored 150 or more goals in top-tier national leagues in the period of time from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2010.

[132] The final list includes the 36 players who scored 150 or more goals in top-tier national leagues in the period of time from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020.