The Football Association has confirmed that it has made a unanimous recommendation to reject Hull City's proposed name change to Hull Tigers.
The club, which is owned by businessman Assem Allam, made a formal request to change its name in December in an attempt to appear more attractive from a commercial perspective.
However, Allam's plans have been met with intense and continued opposition from Hull's fans as well as other figures in British football.
His proposal has now been dealt a blow due to the FA's latest recommendation to its Council.
"The FA can confirm its Membership Committee met on Wednesday [12 March] and has made a unanimous recommendation to The FA Council to reject Hull City's request to change their playing name to Hull Tigers from next season," read an official statement from English football's governing body.
"The recommendation, which came after consultation with stakeholders within and outside of the game, will be discussed and voted upon at a full FA Council meeting on 9 April 2014.
"Hull City are able to make a further submission to The FA Council in view of the written reasons, which they have received, before the 9 April meeting.
"A final decision will be made at that meeting. As such, The FA will be making no further comment at this time."
Allam, who took over Hull in 2010, recently claimed that he would walk out on the club if his plan was not approved.
Jack Prescott
