Hull City Owner Assem Allam Offers Refund Over Club's Name Change To Tigers

EPL Hull City Owner Assem Allam "has offered to refund any of the club's season-ticket holders who are unhappy about the name change he has proposed for the Yorkshire side," according to the PA. While the club's "playing name" is still Hull City AFC, Allam "changed the company name to Hull City Tigers ahead of this season." In the belief the adjustments "will help make for a more marketable brand worldwide, he is now intending to have the playing name altered to Hull Tigers for next term," an application which will need to be made to the FA by April 1. Despite protests led by Hull fans' group City Till We Die, Allam "has made clear his determination to press on with his plans." And regarding the supporters, the Egypt-born 74-year-old said, "There's no need for a referendum. The crowd we get inside the stadium is the perfect referendum. Fans can choose to vote with their feet. If they are not happy, they can stay away. I am also willing to refund any unhappy season ticket holder who wants their money back" (PA, 11/20).