It is generally taken as the club’s prerogative to change its name anytime if it finds necessary for its future goals, but there is always a formal process for this and usually requires seeking the permission of football association. Though, there are different rules for this in different parts of the world, but in England, no club can change its name without formal permission of English FA and this is what itching Hull City owner Assem Allam who apparently wants to change the name his 110-year-old club. Reportedly, he wants new name to be Hull Tigers instead of Hull City and is so desperate for it that has even threatened to sell off the side if he is denied of the permission. According to some insiders, FA’s membership committee has rejected the proposal and advised association to keep the status as it is. However, there is no official information for the English governing body, but there are chances that bosses would look for a middle way so that they could keep both Assem Allam’s desire and committee recommendations at par. On the other side, The Football Supporters’ Federation is also in favor of no-name-change for the Steve Bruce side which is also pining the Egyptian-born businessman.
Considering the views of both, FA finally announced against the name change via its site statement where they mentioned, “The FA can confirm its membership committee met on Wednesday 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.”
No response has until been given by the club owner but according to his legal department, he would present his side to the FA and tell them that new name would be more suited for their long term objectives that include luring sponsors from every part of the world and mark an international presence. Notwithstanding what he thinks, FSF has welcomed the move and said, “The FA’s decision should also serve as a warning to other owners that such fundamental changes to a club’s identity should not be made without the support of the fans.”