Tension In Ethiopian Football As Federation Orders Clubs To Drop Ethnic Names Or Face Expulsion

Tension In Ethiopian Football As Federation Orders Clubs To Drop Ethnic Names Or Face Expulsion

Sampson Adedeji

Ethiopian football is currently facing a major crisis after the country’s Football Federation (EFF) issued a directive mandating Premier League clubs to change their names or risk expulsion, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a circular released ahead of the new season covering all three divisions, the EFF banned clubs from using ethnic-based names and politically affiliated logos.

The move has triggered widespread controversy, as many clubs in Ethiopia are closely tied to specific ethnic groups or are managed by local government administrations.

This directive will compel numerous clubs to rebrand, affecting not only their names but also their crests and historical identities.

According to the Federation’s statement, the regulation is aimed at promoting neutrality and unity in the league.

While a few clubs have rebranded in the past following promotion, the latest order marks the most sweeping attempt to enforce such changes.

Critics argue the EFF has a long history of weak enforcement and selective accountability.

However, this recent measure harks back to the era of Emperor Haile Selassie I, when clubs were once compelled to adopt neutral identities to curb regional and ethnic bias in sport.

With the new season approaching, the Federation's directive is expected to deepen tensions within Ethiopian football unless a compromise is reached.