Why do we think there will be a decision. I'd put money on it being some sort of fudge -- setting up a working party/commission to discuss the importance (or otherwise) of traditional names and kit colours, with any Hull City/Tigers decision postponed until the commission delivers its report.
It seems like it's been going on for years already, so I also would like an end to it sooner rather than later.
The rules say the application must be made before April for the following season. The FA must make a decision on that application. They have gone through a period of consultation and, for me, they have no reason not to make the decision at the meeting. Of course I may be wrong but putting the decision into the long grass appears to be inconsistent with their rules.
If they put it in the long grass then it's effectively a no. The club will have to continue as Hull City AFC next season and put in a new application to change the name for the following season. It makes sense in terms of the FA getting to say no now without closing any options for the future without having looked at things in more detail (the whole principle, not the specifics of our case). Even if there is a no vote, there's nothing to stop a revised application with different reasons being put forward and being successful in future. (Just like if there's a yes there's no reason other entries in future wouldn't get rejected if the circumstances were different)
Strangely they don't tire of telling people that or being the ones to bring it up on threads that are nothing to do with it though (I'm obviously not referring to this thread). Since we got the name change thread they've brought it into far more threads than the anti-name changers have.
I - like so many, I'm sure (whether they are in the "not bothered" camp or the "anti change" camp - I refuse to believe there is a "pro change" camp), keep hoping that Assem Allam will have a last minute change of heart. In spite of his "I never change my mind" stance, he can very easily say that his marketing reasons for the proposed change have not altered but the circumstances have and our much improved exposure now renders the change unnecessary.
He doesn't even have to change his mind as such. If he announced that he was still 100& confident the name change would generate untold wealth, but he has taken on board the history and culture of the club and the region, and he has decided, at great expense to himself, to gift us the name Hull City AFC, aka The Tigers, and investigate other ways of raising the much needed revenue, he could still come out of this with credit.
Well yes, of-course he could but I suspect such an act of kindness/retreat/call it what you like, is simply not in his make up. Hence why I'm putting it in terms of a face saver.
I somehow dont feel the FA will give a decision on April 9th. They will fudge an excuse that they want more time or something. As you say it would take all the gloss off the day. It should wait until after the season is over imo.
The vote is on the 9th and there's over 100 people on the FA Council involved in that vote, I think they'll be aware that it will be almost impossible for word of the outcome not to leak out, so I expect an announcement on the 9th.
Sorry if this has been raised before and answered before - can either side take legal action against the decision
It would be difficult for either side to take any legal action as far as I can see. The FA has asked for evidence to be submitted by a number of organisations, including Hull City, OSC and CTWD. Any legal action would have to show that the decision taken is irrational based on the evidence. Given the hammering the FA took over MK Dons I expect their solicitors to have their fringerprints all over the process, the consideration of the evidence from all parties and the decision. Personally I see one small potential chink for CTWD but I'm not a solicitor and wouldn't be surprised to be told I was barking up the wrong tree.
I would think so. If the name change is not allowed Allam could sue for restraint of his business? If he believes that the decision would make his business more money then as the owner of said business he should be allowed to do so.
As there is no-one offering money based on a name change, he couldn't prove he'd lost anything, so would have zero chance of success. I expect no legal challenge and the FA's decision will stand.
Whether he likes it not, Allam signed up to the FA rule book last summer and must abide by it. Provided the FA make a reasoned decision based on its rules, the chance of a legal challenge is slim - whatever the decision made.
