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 owner Assem Allam has been accused of a “crude attempt at blackmail” after he threatened to quit the club within 24 hours if his controversial move to change the club’s name to Hull Tigers does not receive FA approval.

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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Arsenal 2 Hull 0

Brendan Rodgers believes his Liverpool side face a stiff test of their credentials in the coming weeks.

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.