Owner Assem Allam’s application to change the name of Hull City to Hull Tigers has been rejected, the Football Association said yesterday.

Allam’s plans were met with mutiny and protest against the decision which has overshadowed Hull’s season.

Those apposing the change were boosted three weeks ago when the FA’s membership committee said it would give a “unanimous recommendation” to reject the change.

A recent survey of season ticket holders narrowly backed Allam although most of the 14,000 fans did not vote.

But the FA council voted 63,5 per cent against the name change.

Hull fan groups welcomed the decision.

Ian Waterson of City Til We Die said: “We’re delighted that the FA has agreed with the fans and the vast majority of people who were against this name change.”