Hull City 'Tigers' put up for sale by disgruntled owner Assem Allam
HULL, England --
The Egyptian owner of Hull says the Premier League team has been up for sale since his request to change the club's name was turned down by the English Football Association five months ago.
Assem Allam also says he has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the FA ruling and could stay on as Hull's owner if the appeal is successful.
Allam, who is reported to have injected almost 100 million pounds ($160 million) since taking over in 2010, wants to change the name from Hull City to Hull Tigers to attract investors and boost the club's marketing appeal abroad.
He had threatened to quit if the FA rejected his request.
Speaking to the media at the KC Stadium on Thursday, Allam said: "Lately there have been a lot of rumours and that is not a good thing, so I decided it was better to have a face-to-face conference and clear the air.
"We stated earlier this year that the club would be for sale should our attempt to globally promote Hull Tigers as a brand name and as a playing name be blocked.
"As a consequence of the FA decision on 9 April, I announced on 10 April, within 22 hours, that Hull City is for sale.
"I am using the wording Hull City now to show respect to the FA decision. This announcement is in accordance with my decision 10 months ago that I would walk away within 24 hours (if the name change application was unsuccessful).
"In actual fact, it was 22 hours. When I say something, I mean it.
"We have begun the appeal against the FA's decision via the Court of Arbitration for Sport and we are hopeful of a positive outcome or that the FA reconsiders their decision.
"Until conclusion of either sale or appeal, whichever comes first, we will remain committed to the club, evidenced by the latest remarkable additions to our already very good team.
"If the appeal comes first, okay, no harm done. If the sale comes first - sold.
"If it comes to selling, I will sell with tears in my eyes, because I haven't finished."
Allam has not revealed what price he is hoping to obtain for the club.
