FA to rename itself English Football Association to remove impression of arrogance

The Football Association's board is set to rename the world's oldest FA as the English Football Association.

Founded in 1863, the English body has simply been known as the FA for 155 years, whereas every other nation's FA or football federation also has the relevant national adjective.

Concerned at the impression of arrogance, FA bosses have been referring to the governing body as 'the English FA' when on international business for several years and that is understood to have gone down well in the corridors of power at FIFA, UEFA and other major international bodies.

Creating a more humble impression is believed to be particularly important in light of the FA's desire to lead a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

But, until now, that was as far as the rebrand had gone.

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Now, however, the FA has confirmed that its board "began a discussion around the desirability to rename the Football Association as the English Football Association to reflect the modern role of the organisation".

This change would also mean introducing "'England Football' as the home of all football in England, from grassroots to elite level".

The case for these changes was put to the 10-strong board on Thursday by FA chief executive Martin Glenn and chairman Greg Clarke.

In a statement, the FA said: "The English FA will be the home of football in England, championing and supporting every aspect of the game. This includes: governance of the English football, rules and regulations, education and qualifications, referee and international relations.

"England Football will be the home of supporting England, participation and playing football in England. This includes: all 28 England team, national players, coaches, grassroots football and facilities."

It said the FA will remain the "legal entity name of the organisation and the name of the holding company" and the FA Board, FA Council, FA Cup and so on will remain unchanged.

It added that the discussions will continue at the next FA board meeting.

PA