The FA could consider name change in order to improve “arrogant” image says chief executive Martin Glenn
The chief executive of the Football Association (FA) has admitted the governing body could change its name in order to soften its image around the world.
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Martin Glenn, former chief executive of Birds Eye foods, conceded the FA had a reputation in world football as being arrogant – a perception not helped by the fact it was the only football association without a prefix before its name.
Speaking at Soccerex, the new FA executive said the group could "possibly" change its name – but that "it's not an ultimate priority".
"I think we're perceived as arrogant, I don't think we necessarily are", said Glenn.
"We go to into international conventions and I'll say; 'Hi I'm Martin Glenn I'm from the FA'. Which one?…Every other association would be the German Football Association or French Football Association. We're so assumptive."
In one of his first extensive interviews since joining the FA in May, Glenn detailed other reforms being put in place at the FA to improve its standing in the global game.
The former Leicester City board member detailed how steps were being taken to refocus the organisation on the technical football department, including the recent announcement of 100 redundancies.
Glenn said: "We're brutally spending less money on backroom staff and more on getting people playing football."
And he even insisted that England can will the World Cup in 2022: "It is realistic. Any good organisation, whether you're in football, or business or public service. Every organisation needs an ambition against which to rally."