WASHINGTON: The Washington Redskins have launched a review of the team’s name, the NFL franchise said Friday, following a fresh wave of calls to scrap the moniker long-criticized as racist.
In a statement which came just 24 hours after Washington’s stadium sponsor FedEx demanded a name change, the franchise said it would undertake a “thorough review” of the Redskins tag.
“In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team’s name,” the team said.
“This review formalizes the initial discussions the has been having with the league in recent weeks.”
Washington owner Dan Snyder had long been resistant to changing the team’s name, which is widely considered offensive to Native Americans.
“We’ll never change the name,” Snyder said in 2018. “It’s that simple. NEVER — you can use caps.”
However following the protests which have swept across the United States following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of police on May 25, the Redskins’ name has come under renewed scrutiny.
Reports this week said that FedEx, Nike and PepsiCo. all received letters from 87 investment firms asking the companies and others to sever its ties with the Redskins over the name.
On Thursday, US delivery giant FedEx Corp. — which paid $205 million to the Redskins in 1998 for the naming rights to the team’s stadium — confirmed it had requested the team change its name.
“We have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name,” FedEx said in a one-sentence statement.
Team owner Snyder said on Friday the team planned to canvas opinion from across the community in its name change review.
“This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the NFL and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field,” Snyder said.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell meanwhile welcomed the move, revealing the league had been engaged in extensive discussions with Washington about the matter.
“In the last few weeks we have had ongoing discussions with Dan and we are supportive of this important step,” Goodell said in a statement.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera, one of only a handful of minority head coaches in the NFL, was also supportive of the move.
“This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military,” Rivera said in a statement.
Redskins announce review of name after sponsor threat
https://arab.news/zra66
Redskins announce review of name after sponsor threat
- Washington owner Dan Snyder has long been resistant to changing the team’s name, which is widely considered offensive to Native Americans
- Following protests over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of police on May 25, the Redskins’ name has come under renewed scrutiny
How international academies are shaping Saudi football’s next generation
- Building a unified national footballing philosophy in Saudi Arabia is no simple task
Saudi Arabia’s football transformation has been impossible to ignore since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of 2022. An influx of global stars followed, and with it, unprecedented attention on the Saudi Pro League.
Yet beneath the spotlight, a more pressing question emerged amongst domestic fans: “What is the long-term strategy for developing local players?”
Building a unified national footballing philosophy in Saudi Arabia is no simple task. The sheer size of the Kingdom presents logistical challenges unlike those faced by smaller neighbouring nations, making grassroots development harder to centralize. In this landscape, the work of individual institutions can contribute significantly to the broader football ecosystem.
One such contributor is Juventus Academy Saudi Arabia, an official extension of one of world football’s most historic clubs, operating under the umbrella of Al-Shoaibi Group. Arab News spoke to head of public relations at Juventus Academy, Malak Al-Awami, based in Alkhobar, to understand how the academy fits into the Kingdom’s long-term football vision.
“Saudi Arabia is experiencing a transformational moment under Vision 2030, prioritizing youth development and active lifestyles,” Al-Awami explained. “The academy arrives at a perfect time to contribute to a world-class methodology while helping nurture the next generation of Saudi footballers.”
At Juventus Academy, success is deliberately defined beyond results and trophies.
“We’re not just training players,” Al-Awami said. “We’re shaping future leaders for the Kingdom.”
That philosophy has been reflected in how the academy balances Juventus’ global philosophy with local Saudi culture. While all coaches undergo Juventus’ training standards, cultural understanding remains a priority.
“All of our coaches are guided to respect Saudi values, culture and communication styles,” Al-Awami said. “Technical excellence matters, but the coach’s character is just as important as their certification.”
One of the academy’s defining features has been its inclusivity and cultural awareness. Players can join as young as four years old and continue until the age of 18, with programs open to both boys and girls.
That inclusivity has had a tangible impact. Juventus Academy played a role in the formation of Khobar FC, a women’s team that competed in the inaugural season of the SAFF Women’s Second Division League.
“We even used the same kit style as Juventus, getting approval from the club itself,” revealed Al-Awami.
Operating as an extension of the academy, the team finished just a few points behind established clubs like Al-Nahda and Al-Fateh in their regional group.
Al-Awami noted that the group is also exploring complementary initiatives aimed at elite player development beyond the academy itself. Among them is the planned Superior Striker Project, a specialized program designed to bring international attacking expertise to Saudi Arabia through short-term clinics for youth and professional players.
It is this broader contribution that highlights the growing importance of international academies in Saudi Arabia. Beyond providing structured training, they are helping build communities, instil values and strengthen the foundations of the domestic football pyramid.
When asked about what success would look like for Juventus Academy in 5-10 years, Al-Awami was clear. “It is definitely not about trophies or big contracts,” he said, before adding, “it is the legacy we leave behind. If, in 10 years we see confident young Saudi players competing at elite levels, local coaches growing through our programs, and families trusting football as a tool for personal development, then we will know that we have truly succeeded.”
Juventus Academy Saudi Arabia builds on Al-Shoaibi Group’s original ambition in 2018: to create meaningful football opportunities for families in the Kingdom. Today, that ambition has evolved into a structured pathway contributing to Saudi football future, blending global expertise with local identity to help shape the next generation.
