It was established in 2008 by the merger of the previously separate men's and women's international lacrosse associations.

World Lacrosse was given provisional recognition status by the International Olympic Committee in November 2018.

[citation needed] In August 2008 in Lahti, Finland, the ILF and the International Federation of Women's Lacrosse Associations merged to become the Federation of International Lacrosse.

ILF Founders: Thomas Hayes (USA) Don Hobbs (Australia) Laurie Turnbull (Australia) Nigel Wade (England) The ILF conducted the World Lacrosse Championship, World Indoor Lacrosse Championship and the men's Under-19 World Lacrosse Championships, all of which were taken over by the FIL.

It wound up its affairs in August 2008 when it agreed to merge with the ILF to form the Federation of International Lacrosse.