• Premier League

FA to reject Hull 'Tigers' name change

Owner Assem Allam has threatened to sell the club if the FA turned down the name change © PA Photos

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Hull City owner Assem Allam is set to fail in his bid to change the club's name to Hull Tigers after the FA was advised by its membership committee to reject the application.

Allam threatened to sell the club if the FA rejected the formal application for a rebranded, which was made in December.

An official decision will be made by the FA Council in its meeting on April 9 but it is highly unlikely that English football's governing body would act against the advice of its membership committee.

A statement on read: "The FA can confirm its Membership Committee met on Wednesday [March 12] and has made a unanimous recommendation to The FA Council to reject Hull City's request to change their playing name to Hull Tigers from next season.

"The recommendation, which came after consultation with stakeholders within and outside of the game, will be discussed and voted upon at a full FA Council meeting on April 9, 2014.

"Hull City are able to make a further submission to The FA Council in view of the written reasons, which they have received, before the April 9 meeting.

"A final decision will be made at that meeting. As such, The FA will be making no further comment at this time."

Hull City have played under their current name for 110 years and the majority of supporters have vehemently opposed Allam's plans to change the club's identity.

Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) chief executive Kevin Miles welcomed the decision, saying: "This is undoubtedly the right decision and credit should go both to the FA and to Hull City fans, who led a tremendous campaign.

"The fans' groups and fanzines who came together under the 'City Till We Die' banner have protected their club's heritage and 110-year-old name with great dignity."

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