Hull owner Assem Allam's controversial bid to change the club's name looks all but over after the Football Association announced its membership committee had made a "unanimous recommendation" to its council to reject the request.
The governing body spoke out at the end of a day which had seen numerous reports suggest Allam's idea was set to be quashed.
In a statement, the FA said that, at a meeting last Wednesday, its membership committee had made the recommendation to the council after "consultation with stakeholders within and outside of the game".
The statement added that a full vote would be taken as planned on April 9 and that Hull were able to respond with a new submission, having been sent the written reasons.
There was no immediate response from Allam, but he is unlikely to give up without a fight on a proposal he claims is for commercial reasons.
His quest to rebrand the club as Hull Tigers met with a furious response from fans' groups and led to a war of words with Allam, who vowed to walk away from the club if his move was not approved.
The Football Supporters' Federation hailed the reports on Monday and praised the campaign waged by the club's supporters.
FSF chief executive Kevin Miles said: "This is undoubtedly the right decision and credit should go both to the FA and to Hull City fans, who led a tremendous campaign.
"The fans' groups and fanzines who came together under the City Till We Die banner have protected their club's heritage and 110-year-old name with great dignity.
"The FA's decision should also serve as a warning to other owners - such fundamental changes to a club's identity should not be made without the support of the fans."
Allam reiterated his threat to quit the club at the weekend, but his son, vice-chairman Ehab Allam, said a formal rejection by the FA would not stop him pushing for the change in the long-term.
Ehab Allam told BBC Radio Humberside: "The proposed name change is not about a quick win. It is a long-term change."
His was perhaps a voice of reason between the fans and the club, with his father having previously stirred passions further by telling the fans who sung the 'City Til I Die' song that they could "die as soon as they want".