Hull name change: FA reject Assem Allam's proposed name change to Hull Tigers to throw future into question

Dr Allam has said that he will leave the club if he can't change the name to appeal to a wider fan base in Asia

Hull owner Assem Allam wants to change the club’s name

Owner Assem Allam's application to change the name of Hull City to Hull Tigers has been rejected, the Football Association has announced.

Allam's plans were met with mutiny and protest over the issue which has overshadowed Hull's season.

Those against the change were boosted three weeks ago when the FA's membership committee said it would give a "unanimous recommendation" for the plan to be rejected.

A recent survey of season ticket holders fell on the side of Allam, with 2,565 backing him compared to 2,517 going against him. 9,159 fans did not vote.

But 63.5 per cent of the FA council voted against the name change.

A FA statement read: "The FA council has today rejected Hull City's application to change their playing name to Hull Tigers.

"The council's decision - carried by a 63.5 per cent vote of its members - came after a recommendation from The FA's membership committee.

"The Council, which is made up of representatives from across football, fully considered the recommendation and the subsequent responses received from Hull City in reaching its decision."

The saga has rumbled on in the background of Hull's successful season which this weekend takes in an FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United at Wembley.

A statement on hullcitytigers.com read: "The club will not be making any comment on the outcome of today's FA meeting.

"Our focus is on supporting Steve Bruce and the team ahead of Sunday's FA Cup Semi-Final, our first in over 80 years.

"We look forward to seeing you all at Wembley."

PA