It has been another eventful summer at the MKM Stadium
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali remains optimistic over the outcome of their appeal against a three-window fee restriction. It emerged last month that the English Football League had slapped the Tigers with the sanction for clocking up more than 30 days of late transfer fee payments in the past year, meaning the club cannot buy players or pay loan fees until January 2027.
But City are hopeful of getting either the punishment reduced or lifted entirely. Their case was heard at a hearing last Wednesday and the Tigers expect to find out the outcome of their appeal next week.
Sources have told Hull Live that City’s hearing on Wednesday was conducted virtually and lasted for four hours, with City’s lawyer presenting their case to a panel of three independent judges, while the EFL’s case was put forward by their own legal counsel.
Despite their much-publicised transfer constraints, the Tigers have brought in a host of players, including forwards Oli McBurnie and Joe Gehardt. In an open letter published on City’s website just hours before their Championship curtain-raiser at Coventry City, Ilicali wrote: “Dear Hull City Family, I’ve been incredibly moved by the positive response regarding our recent transfer window, and it brings me great joy to see the excitement surrounding the new additions to our team. Thanks to the hard work of our coach, his staff, Jared [Dublin], Mustafa [Yokes] and Hodgey [Martin Hodge], and everyone involved, I truly feel we’ve built the team of my dreams.
“Have you ever wondered why our new players chose to join Hull City? The answer is simple: our existing players are genuinely happy to be part of this family, and their positive feedback speaks volumes about their experiences here. But do you know the real reason they are happy? It’s because of us.
“It’s your unwavering support and the love you show them that makes them feel at home. And as a management team, the care and attention we give them ensure they stay happy, motivated, and committed to being a part of our family for the long term.
“This is the clearest testament to the strength and unity of the Hull City family.
“When I look at our store sales, Memberships, partnerships and hospitality sales, it’s clear how tremendous the support from our fans and sponsors has been. From the very first moment I joined this club, I’ve always referred to us as the “Big Family”. They say, “You truly know your friends in times of hardship,” and I firmly believe in this. After all the challenges we’ve faced and overcome together, I can confidently say that we are not just a large family, but a very strong one.
“Your unwavering support has been my greatest strength, and you have made Hull my home. With your loyalty, love, and the fighting spirit that drives us, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.
“That being said, I also want to emphasise that we remain confident in our appeal, and we firmly believe in its merit. We have no issues with any other clubs, and we stand resolute in our position. Rest assured, challenges will never break us. In fact, they only make us stronger.
“While I may not be the wealthiest club owner, and we may not be the richest club, I can proudly say that we are the strongest and most united family. I look forward to a season filled with success.
With all my best,
Acun Ilıcalı
Chairman
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