The Premier League has unveiled its new logo, to be used from the start of next season.
The crowned lion with one paw resting on a football from the current design does feature again, although the new image consists only of its head.
Reports last month had suggested the animal might be dropped entirely in the rebrand.
The image is accompanied by the words ‘Premier League’ in a different style of lettering to that used in the present ‘Barclays Premier League’ motif.
The competition has been promoted and marketed as the Barclays Premier League, with the same logo, since 2007/08.
From 2016/17, it will be known simply as ‘the Premier League’, clubs having agreed last summer to a new central sponsorship strategy which included a move away from a title sponsorship.
Premier League managing director Richard Masters said: “(It was) a decision which provided the opportunity to consider how we wanted to present ourselves as an organisation and competition.
“We are very pleased with the outcome: a visual identity which is relevant, modern and flexible.”
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