The FA have announced the future implementation of new rules to protect the heritage of its clubs.
The new rules - due to come into force from the 2022/2023 campaign - will stop any club in both the men’s and women’s game substantially changing the crest or home kit colours without consulting with it’s supporters.
Such changes might come as a relief for many Everton fans who will remember the club’s ill-fated attempts to simplify the club crest in 2013, only to back-track after a forced fan consultation - but only after the new crest featured on the kit for a season.
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“In the event a club is found to be in breach of the rules, the FA is able to take appropriate action, such as ordering a club to revert back to a previous crest or home shirt colour combination,” the FA said. “The aim of the new rules is to put supporters at the heart of the decision-making process regarding these important club heritage matters.
“As part of our ongoing response to the fan led review, we will be continuing a consultation process regarding potential ground relocation rules this season.”
Many Toffees fans will remember the club’s attempts to ‘modernise’ the crest by removing the club's motto Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (Nothing but the best) as well as simplifying the design of Prince Rupert’s Tower - all without consulting Everton fans. The backlash from the announcement forced the club to apologise, but admitted it was already too late to change it for the 2013/2014 season.
"It has been a full-on weekend for many Evertonians and undeniably you have spoken to us loudly and clearly. We have listened," said an Everton statement to supporters in 2013. "We are sorry. It is clear that you wanted to be involved in the selection of our new club crest.
"We regret we didn't ask every Evertonian about something that matters so much to every one of you. We remain firm in the belief that our crest should be modernised - not a unique or unprecedented situation and one we know our fans would accept and embrace."
The consultation brought into the picture three alternative designs, from which the current badge - complete with club motto and detailed tower - ended up the overwhelming winner. Evertonians may remember a similarly embarrassing event for Leeds United, whose, 2018 unveiling of a new club crest was reversed by the end of the same week after massive backlash.
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