September 12 – The symbolic Hull City name change saga that has generated interest way beyond English shores has taken a potentially decisive turn with owner Assem Allam revealing he put the club up for sale several months ago.
Despite a relentless campaign by grassroots fans who oppose the idea, Egyptian-born Allam, who moved to Hull in 1968 and whose family has pumped more than £70 million into the club and is credited with rescuing it from administration, has frequently threatened to quit unless his plans are approved. He wants to rename the club Hull Tigers, dropping the word ‘City’ after 110 years, in order to make it easier to market Hull around the world and give it wider appeal.
The English Football Association turned down the idea in April and Allam said: “When I say something, I mean it.”
He revealed the club had been put up for sale 22 hours after the FA’s decision and that an appeal was being lodged against the name change rejection with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“We stated earlier this year that the club would be for sale should our attempt to globally promote Hull Tigers as a brand name and as a playing name be blocked,” he said.
“As a consequence of the FA decision on 9 April, I announced on 10 April, within 22 hours, that Hull City is for sale.”
Asked what he would do if a buyer could not be found and the legal appeal was dismissed, he replied: “I will give it away. Out means I’m out. Have I ever said anything and gone back on it?”
Hull reached the FA Cup final last season, losing 3-2 to Arsenal, and finished 16th in the Premier League following promotion.
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