England’s football association was the first of its kind when founded in 1863
England’s football chiefs are changing the name of the FA amid worries the current name brings about a “perception of arrogance”.
Most countries’ football associations contain the name of the nation – i.e. the Football Association of Wales – whilst the English body has long distinguished itself from this due to its legacy as the first of its kind.
Founded in London in 1863, the association’s creation led to the first implementation of universally accepted rules for playing the game.
Despite that, FA chief executive Martin Glenn believes a rebrand is important in how English football is perceived globally.
“I think we are perceived as arrogant,” he stated when announcing the name change on Thursday.
“I don’t think we necessarily are but perceptions, [they] matter. We go to international conventions and say, ‘Hi, I’m Martin Glenn and I am from the FA’. Which one? Obviously the English, because we invented it.
“Every other is the German association, the French association, we are so assumptive. Changing the name would possibly be a solution.”
Chairman Greg Clarke is another advocate of the rebrand after England were also accused of arrogance for fans chanting “It’s Coming Home” during last summer’s World Cup.
“The FA Board today began a discussion around the desirability to rename The Football Association as The English Football Association to reflect the modern role of the organisation,” read an FA statement.
“To coincide with this change The English FA would also introduce England Football as the home of all football in England, from grassroots to elite level. The case was made to The FA Board by the FA CEO, Martin Glenn, and FA Chairman, Greg Clarke.”
