Allam must consider quit threat as Hull name change blocked by FA

Chairman Assem Allam wants to re-name the Premier League club as Hull Tigers in an attempt to increase their appeal to potential sponsors.

The move, when first proposed last summer, caused huge controversy in the East Riding with fans forming a ‘City Till We Die’ group to oppose the plan.

Fans have voiced their protest by chanting their support of retaining the club’s identity 19.04 minutes into each game, the time chosen to mark the year Hull City AFC was formed. Now, the proposal looks to be on the verge of being killed off after the FA confirmed that their membership committee, which had been charged with investigating the matter and speaking to all interested parties, had made a “unanimous recommendation” that Allam’s plan be rejected.

The final decision will be made by the FA Council on April 9, just four days ahead of Hull’s 
FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United at Wembley.

Until that vote is taken, the matter remains unresolved.

However, the revelation that the membership committee has overwhelmingly rejected the plan means it is unlikely that Allam will get his way.

Hull, who have been sent written confirmation of the committee’s findings, will have a chance to respond with a new submission.

Allam, who over recent months has been embroiled in a war of words with fans opposed to the plan, has previously threatened to walk away “within 24 hours” if he is not allowed to re-name the club.

Considering that the Allam family has ploughed more than £70m into the club since rescuing Hull late in 2010, such a move could have far-reaching implications.

Nevertheless, the FA’s findings have been welcomed by the Football Supporters’ Federation, who have praised the campaign waged by the club’s supporters.

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

Continued on Page 18