FA reject Hull name change bid

LONDON: Egyptian owner Assem Allam’s application to change the name of Premier League Hull City to Hull Tigers has been rejected, the Football Association announced Wednesday.

The move came as little surprise af ter the FA’s membership committee had said, three weeks ago, it would give a “unanimous recommendation” for the plan to be rejected.

A recent survey of Hull season ticket holders supported Allam, with 2,565 backing him compared to 2,517 going against him. However, 9,159 fans did not vote.

But the FA said Wednesday that 63.5 per cent of its governing body had voted against the name change.

Although Hull’s longstanding nickname is ‘ Tigers’, many of the Humberside club’s fans were up in arms at the proposal while Allam, who has invested millions of pounds into the club, threatened to quit if the plans were rejected.

A FA s t atement i s sue d Wednesday said: “The FA council has today rejected Hull City’s application to change their playing name to Hull Tigers.

“The counci l ’ 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 representat ives from across football, fully considered the recommendation and the subsequent responses received from Hull City in reaching its decision.”

Hull responded Wednesday by saying they had no comment to make on the FA’s decision, urging fans to concentrate on backing the team in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United at Wembley.

“The club will not be making any comment on the outcome of today’s FA meeting,” said the Hull statement. “Our focus is on supporting (manager) Steve Bruce and the team ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-fi nal, our fi rst in over 80 years. We look forward to seeing you all at Wembley.” — AFP