Football League blasted after 'factually incorrect and completely unnecessary' rebranding

The English Football League or EFL has not gone down well with anyone

The Football League's new logo, as part of its rebranding as 'EFL' (Football League)

The rebranding of the Football League to the English Football League from next season is "insulting" to Welsh clubs, according to the chairman of the Cardiff City Supporters' Trust.

The governing body announced the changes on Thursday, which will come into effect for the start of the 2016-17 campaign, after undergoing a comprehensive corporate and competition rebranding.

However, two of the Football League's current 72 members are based in Wales.

Tim Hartley believes the rebrand will do little to benefit the clubs in the three divisions.

"It's a little bit insulting that both Welsh clubs and potentially many more from lower down the football pyramid will be classed as English," Hartley told Press Association Sport.

"The rebranding is factually incorrect and completely unnecessary. Newport and Cardiff City are both in the Football League.

"The rebranding will make a lot of money for companies making logos and headed paper but will do nothing for teams playing in the three divisions. What's the point?

"The Football League had status, we knew what it meant, why mess with a brand that clearly works?"

Both Cardiff and Newport have yet to comment publicly on the decision, though both are likely to be seeking assurances that their value to the organisation is highlighted.

Hartley has also been seeking assurances from Cardiff after the Football League revealed the change comes after extensive research, which included interviews and focus groups with clubs, stakeholders, commercial partners and more than 18,000 football supporters.

"I have contacted the club asking whether they were party to this decision," Hartley added.

"This was the first we had heard of it. It underlines once again the need for formal, structured consultation between fans, their clubs and the football authorities."

PA