Supporters’ needs prompt FA to confirm Hull’s name appeal

The Football Association have confirmed their decision to reject Hull City’s name change is in the process of arbitration.
Hull City owner Assem Allam and his son, Ehab. Picture: Terry CarrottHull City owner Assem Allam and his son, Ehab. Picture: Terry Carrott
Hull City owner Assem Allam and his son, Ehab. Picture: Terry Carrott

The club’s proposal to rebrand from Hull City AFC to Hull Tigers, pushed for by owner Assem Allam in an attempt to attract increased overseas investment, was thrown out by the FA Council in April.

Allam revealed in a press conference earlier this month that he had reacted by putting the club up for sale within 24 hours, but was also appealing against the council’s decision.

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The Egyptian caused confusion by stating the case was being handled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who reported no knowledge of it.

His son, acting chief executive Ehab, quickly moved to clarify that the arbitration process was actually being handled through the FA’s own procedures, but a confidentiality clause meant the governing body were unable to stand up those claims.

But the FA and Hull both posted identical statements on their websites yesterday to clear up any lingering doubt.

The statement read: “The Football Association has agreed with Hull City to clarify the position regarding the club’s name change application.

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“On Wednesday 9 April 2014, The FA Council rejected Hull City’s application to change its playing name to Hull Tigers.

“The club has chosen to commence an arbitration under Rule K of the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association to challenge the decision of The FA Council.

“Any arbitration commenced under Rule K of the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association is confidential.

“However, in the interests of the supporters, The Football Association and the club have agreed to confirm that an arbitration has commenced and once a decision has been reached it will be published.

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“All other aspects of the arbitration shall remain confidential until such time as a decision has been made.”

Hull striker Yannick Sagbo has joined Wolves on loan and could feature tonight at home to Huddersfield Town.

The Ivorian striker, who joined from French club Evian last summer, scored four times in his first season, including a goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United.

But he has fallen down the pecking order and the presence of Abel Hernandez, Nikica Jelavic and Sone Aluko, as well as on-loan attacking midfielders Gaston Ramirez and Hatem Ben Arfa, has meant Sagbo is yet to appear in the Premier League this term.

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