The Football Association has rejected Hull City's request to change their name to Hull Tigers.

The FA's Council reached the decision on Wednesday afternoon after its Membership Committee had advised against the move last month.

"The FA Council has today rejected Hull City's application to change their playing name to Hull Tigers," read an official statement from English football's governing body.

"The Council's decision – carried by a 63.5% vote of its members – came after a recommendation from The FA's Membership Committee.

"The Council, which is made up of representatives from across football, fully considered the recommendation and the subsequent responses received from Hull City in reaching its decision."

Hull owner Assem Allam revealed last year that he wanted to change the name of the team in order to make it more appealing from a commercial perspective. However, his proposal was met by fierce opposition from supporters.

Season-ticket holders recently voted in favour of the name change, though only 5,874 fans out of 15,000 chose to participate in the ballot.

Allam, who took charge of the club in 2010, has repeatedly claimed that he will walk out on Hull if his plans are rejected.