Chelsea to stop calling men's team the 'first team' in equality move
Chelsea have announced a name change for their female team, who will now be known as Chelsea Football Club Women.
As part of the move, Chelsea will no longer refer to the men's team as the "first team", the Blues said.
Chelsea won the Women's FA Cup and Women's Super League this season, while also reaching the Champions League semi-final.
"Chelsea Ladies will now be known as Chelsea Football Club Women as we continue to work on improving all aspects of the team both on and off the pitch," Chelsea said on their official website.
"The new name reflects Chelsea's position as a leading club within the sport. It is representative of a modern view on language and equality, and is in keeping with the way our governing bodies, supporters, squad and management regard the women's game.
"The change will see us move away from consistently referring to our men's team as the 'first' team, acknowledging the ever-growing status of women's football, and Chelsea within it."
Chelsea FC Women manager Emma Hayes said: "This name change demonstrates the club's desire to put women's football at the front and centre of everything we do.
"Chelsea's continued commitment to the women's game is unwavering and this decision is something I fully support."
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: "We believe this is an important step for the evolution of our women's team. We are incredibly proud of their achievements to date and are fully committed to being a force for good in women and girls' sport."
