Washington Redskins to ‘review’ name amid anti-racism campaign

Native American groups have long campaigned for a change arguing that both the name of the team and the main logo are racist

Washington could change their name (Getty Images)

The Washington Redskins have confirmed they’re planning to “review” their name after increased pressure from anti-racism groups.

The formal review, announced by the NFL franchise on Friday, “formalises the initial discussion the team has been having with the league in recent weeks” according to a team statement.

It follows calls from FedEx, the chief naming rights partner for the team’s home stadium, to change the controversial name.

Nike also appeared to drop Redskins apparel from the website in recent days.

Native American groups have long campaigned for a change arguing that both the name of the team and the main logo are racist.

“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 organisation, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field,” team owner Dan Snyder said.

New head coach Ron Rivera, who joined the team earlier in the offseason, added: “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 honouring and supporting Native Americans and our military.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also voiced his support for the move.

“In the last few weeks we have had ongoing discussions with Dan and we are supportive of this important step,” he said,

The team last week removed the name of racist founder George Preston Marshall from its Ring of Fame at FedEx Field, and a monument to him was removed from the site of the old RFK Stadium.

The NFL are pushing on with plans for the 2020 season to get underway as planned in September despite the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The preseason is likely to be reduced from four games to, at the most, two with fans unlikely to be allowed inside stadiums.

It emerged earlier on Friday that “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song often referred to as the Black national anthem, will play prior to the kickoff of week one games.