Fairfax Media has reported an announcement made by the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) that it will prevent new or revised club names, logos and emblems from including in them any ethnic, national, political, racial or religious connotations.
It is a move that is reportedly aimed at nationalising football beyond the constraints of national and ethnic identity.
When Neos Kosmos contacted the FFA, it received the official press release following the announcement.
The press release explained that the policy was developed by member federations and the FFA which identified a need for a holistic national policy that prescribed to consistency across all jurisdictions in Australia.
FFA chief executive David Gallop said the policy is aimed at promoting football as an inclusive, accessible and multicultural sport.
“Football is now a part of the mainstream of Australian society and has achieved that status while also retaining its rich diversity,” he said.
“The very name and logo of a club sends a message about what that club stands for. We want clubs that stand for uniting people through the joy of football.”
The FFA’s new policy will not apply retrospectively to existing clubs.
The Football Federation of Victoria (FFV) took a similar stance to the FFA after the announcement was made.
FFV spokesperson Sammie Black told Neos Kosmos that it agreed with the national policy.
“(The) FFV concurs with the national policy. As stated, it ‘aims to promote and strengthen the reputation of football in Australia by making the sport of football inclusive for all participants. FFA acknowledges the multicultural nature of Australia and the valuable contribution that various communities have made to the historical development of football in Australia. FFA also respects Clubs’ desires to acknowledge their heritage and contribution to their local communities. FFA has a responsibility to protect and grow the reputation of the sport of football in Australia and to ensure its openness and accessibility to all Australians’.”