Ethiopian Football Federation bans ethnic names and political logos in Ethiopian football

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has officially stated that clubs with ethnic names and politically charged logos will not be allowed to compete from the 2025/26 season onwards. The EFF introduced this new circular to clubs, which will take effect ahead of the new season across the three divisions.

Clubs with ethnic names and politically affiliated logos are common in Ethiopian football. Most clubs are run by city and town administrations, and they are often associated with a certain ethnic group in the broader context of Ethiopian football.

The new development will force many clubs to reconsider changing their names and emblems. In an official statement, the federation said that clubs are now forbidden from using ethnic names and logos.

A few Ethiopian clubs have changed their names after gaining promotion. The EFF has often been criticized for failing to enforce the regulation and hold clubs accountable. During Emperor Haile Selassie I’s reign, clubs in the Ethiopian Championship were forced to change their names to remain neutral. After decades, the EFF is bringing back such a measure.