Football
ESPN staff 10y

FA Council rejects Hull name change

Hull City’s bid to have their name changed to "Hull Tigers" has been rejected by the Football Association Council.

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caption:Hull owner Assem Allam wants to change the club's name to "Hull Tigers."
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Hull owner Assem Allam has wanted to force the name change through for some time, although he has met much resistance from Tigers supporters.

However, the FA’s Membership Committee unanimously recommended that the plans be turned down last month, and the governing body confirmed on Wednesday that its Council has also rejected the application.

A statement released on the FA’s official website 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 percent 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.”

Hull released a statement of their own on their official website upon hearing news of the decision.

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

"Our focus is on supporting Steve Bruce and the team ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal, our first in over 80 years. We look forward to seeing you all at Wembley."

The FA's announcement comes just days after Hull revealed that a majority of supporters voted in favour of the club changing its name in an official ballot, although many fans chose not to participate.

In a ballot of season-ticket holders over the age of 16, 2,565 voted for the rebrand with 2,517 against. A further 792 expressed indifference while another 9,159 did not take up their right to vote.

These results, which were published on Monday, came too late to be included in any written submission the club may have made ahead of the council meeting.

Allam believes the "Tigers" name is more marketable worldwide and could help the club attract the greater investment he feels is necessary to compete at the top level and grow.

He has expressed his dislike for the "common" City name and has threatened to pull out of the club if his wish is not granted.

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