HULL City have formally applied to the Football Association to change their playing name to Hull Tigers from next season.
The move marks a significant step forward by owner Assem Allam, who has already spelled out his desire to abandon the club's name and opt for a change to drive revenue overseas.
It is thought the FA will not consider the application until the new year, with the club having to wait until after the April deadline for any club to change its name before a decision will be made.
Mr Allam has claimed only a "minority" of fans are opposed to his rebrand plans which he claims will raise the club's commercial profile.
However, there has been growing unease about the rename with fans protesting inside and outside the club's games.
The first indication of the club's name change came in March of this year.
Companies House records show the board changed the name of the company to Hull City Tigers Limited on March 7.
City's soon-to-be departing managing director Nick Thompson initially played down any fears that the club was about to be renamed.
But having seen various examples of Hull City Tigers used in official club marketing and at the training ground, fans became increasingly worried that the club was about to be rebranded.
Then in August the Allams confirmed Hull City Tigers would be the new name officially adopted by the club in the Premier League.
Assem and his son Ehab confirmed their intention to re-brand Hull City by dropping the 'AFC' and putting the emphasis on 'Tigers'.
Mr Allam said: "Hull City is irrelevant. My dislike for the word 'City' is because it is common".
That stance has been reiterated many times since, with Mr Allam determined to make the change, while some supporters have shown their displeasure with banners at recent home and away games.
Updated: 5.45pm
