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

Hull owner Assem Allam’s controversial bid to change the club’s name looks all but over after the FA announced its membership committee had made a “unanimous recommendation” to its council to reject the request.

Hull City were set to complete the record signing of Nikica Jelavic from Everton on Wednesday but doubts remained over the Tigers’ hopes of enticing West Brom striker Shane Long to the KC Stadium.

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Liverpool lost ground on table-topping Arsenal as strikes from Jake Livermore and David Meyler, as well as a Martin Skrtel own goal, handed Hull a surprise 3-1 victory at the KC Stadium.

Hull fans’ group ’City Til We Die’ has challenged club owner Assem Allam over his continued plans to change the side’s name, telling him they believe the Football Association will take a dim view of any move.

Hull owner Assem Allam has confirmed the club will be formally renamed Hull City Tigers from the start of the new season.