Tottenham perform major u-turn with decision that could impact all broadcasters
Spurs have made a major decision about what broadcasters are allowed to call the club after previously sending out a ‘remastered brand identity’ email in February 2025.
An email was sent to Premier League broadcasters on February 10 last year, issuing guidance on how the club wanted to be referenced.
“Tottenham Hotspur have provided clarification regarding the club’s name,” a ‘naming update’ email read.
“They have requested that the club are primarily known as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs being the preferred short version. The club have requested that they are not referred to as Tottenham.”
Advert
Why did Spurs issue a naming update?
The message was sent to all Premier League broadcasters, including Sky Sports and TNT Sports, across the globe.
The club put the decision down to the fact that ‘Tottenham’ is the name of an area of north London rather than the football team, with the stance having been part of club policy since 2011.
Brand guidelines made clear that the use of ‘Tottenham Hotspur’, ‘Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’ and even ‘THFC’ was fine, although broadcasters were advised against the use of ‘Tottenham’, ‘Tottenham Hotspur FC’ or ‘TH’.
A paragraph in a “remastered brand identity” guidance document explained: “In a world full of Uniteds, Citys and Rovers, there is only one Hotspur, Tottenham Hotspur. When referring to the team or the brand, please use ‘Tottenham Hotspur’, ‘Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’ or ‘THFC’. Never refer to our Club as ‘Tottenham’, ‘Tottenham Hotspur FC’ or ‘TH’.”
Spurs appear to make naming U-turn
However, 20 months on, the club have now decided to make a U-turn on their stance.
The words ‘This is Tottenham’ have been emblazoned on the club’s stadium and big screens, with the club now keen to use the word again.
As reported by The Athletic, steps to reintroduce the word ‘Tottenham’ have been taken after discussions with fan groups, who have welcomed the return of the previously forbidden T-word.
The outlet reports: “The club has been keen to lean into the T-word again, recognising how much it means to fans, and the pride in this particular corner of north-east London where the team has played since 1882. There is a clear desire at the club to reassert the importance of this word, and this aspect of the club’s identity.”
How this will impact guidance to broadcasters remains unclear.
Spurs, who sit bottom of the Premier League, return to action away at Manchester United on Saturday (October 10).
READ NEXT: Cristiano Ronaldo savages Simon Jordan with brutal text to Piers Morgan after Portugal bust-up
Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Football News
Luke Davies