FA Committee Rejects Hull City’s Request for Name Change

Hull City owner Assem Allam has been dealt a blow today in his bid to change the name of the Premier League team after the Football Association confirmed their Membership Committee rejected their request.

The Committee 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 now be discussed and voted upon at a full FA Council meeting on April 9.

The Premier League club’s owner Assem Allam is attempting to rebrand the club as Hull Tigers in order to increase their commercial appeal to potential sponsors, and has described the word City as “common” and “lousy.”

The FA said in a statement: “The FA can confirm its Membership Committee met on Wednesday [12 March] 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 9 April 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 9 April meeting.

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

The decision was hailed by the Football Supporters’ Federation.

FSF chief executive Kevin Miles said: “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.

“The FA’s decision should also serve as a warning to other owners – such fundamental changes to a club’s identity should not be made without the support of the fans.”