Tottenham Reconsiders Its Ban on the Club’s Short Name

Tottenham have reversed a naming policy that previously discouraged broadcasters from calling the club “Tottenham”. The change follows guidance issued to Premier League broadcasters on February 10, 2025, when the club asked to be identified primarily as Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs accepted as the preferred shorter form.

At the time, Tottenham explained that the name referred to an area of north London rather than the football team. The club’s branding rules, in place since 2011, approved Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and THFC, while advising against Tottenham, Tottenham Hotspur FC and TH.

The club has since begun using the word Tottenham more prominently, including on stadium branding and large screens carrying the message “This is Tottenham”. Discussions with fan groups reportedly helped shape the change, reflecting supporters’ connection to the north-east London district where the team has played since 1882.

It is not yet clear how the revised approach will affect instructions given to broadcasters. Tottenham, currently bottom of the Premier League, are scheduled to return on Saturday, October 10, with an away match against Manchester United.

ColdMath take

The policy change should make the club’s public identity more flexible and closer to how supporters describe it. Broadcasters may receive updated guidance before Tottenham’s next fixtures, although no formal instructions have been confirmed yet.