New Zealand Football (NZF) are reportedly considering abandoning the men's national team's All Whites nickname and some fans are far from happy.
The Kiwis adopted the moniker in the 1980s due to their home strips historically being predominantly white, with black kits, like the All Blacks wear in rugby union, previously reserved for referees by FIFA.
While the name doesn't have any racial connotations, it has often raised eyebrows and the NZ Herald claims NZF have been looking into a possible name change for over six months.
Though no decision has been made as yet, NZF made it clear in a statement that they are determined to make changes to ensure the team is as inclusive as possible moving forward.
"As with many other national bodies, New Zealand Football is on a journey around cultural inclusivity and respecting the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi," a statement read.
"As part of our Delivery and Sustainability Project announced last year, we are in the process of working with stakeholders across the game, as well as people from outside football, looking at all areas of the organisation to make sure they are fit for purpose in 2021 and beyond.
"It is too early in the process to speak about any outcomes but this is an important piece of work as we strive to be the most inclusive sport in Aotearoa."
Upon hearing about the possibility of a name change, a number of fans have made their stance clear, stressing the All Whites moniker should remain.
This is utterly ridiculous. "All Whites" is a fan-assigned nickname based entirely on the colour of the playing strip. It's like the Boston Red Sox. They have red socks. The All Whites have white shirts. That's it. What's going on?https://t.co/voQ3DvuhsH
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) August 22, 2021
No @NZ_Football.
— QR Scanner - Brandon Clarke ⚫️🔶 (@kiwibardy) August 22, 2021
"All Whites" has nothing, absolutely NOTHING, to do with ethnicity.
Anyone who thinks so is a moron.
The "All Blacks" has nothing to do with excluding Pākehā.
This is absurd.
Stop it.
I cannot believe this latest woke bollocks. I never watch Soccer but if someone tells me the All Whites won, I immediately think of our National soccer team. This behaviour is more racial shit stirring. Just disgraceful.
— Hone Ropata Dustin (@ozwargi) August 22, 2021
All Whites is not inclusive but All Blacks, Black Caps, Black Sticks, Siver Ferns is all good.
— James Mastapha (@JamesMastapha) August 22, 2021
Are we losing the plot? https://t.co/MdOLZvf4hU
New Zealand's men's natiional team are currently ranked 119th in the world and after going undefeated at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, have failed to qualify for the past two tournaments.