The Tigers can stil sign free transfers and loan players where no fee is paid
The EFL have confirmed that Hull City‘s appeal against a three-window transfer fee ban has been reduced by one window after an independant commission made thier decision on Monday.
City lodged their appeal in early July after the club were slapped with one of the most severe punishments for notching up more than 30 days of late transfer payments between July 2024 and June 2025, banning them from paying fees for three windows.
That appeal was heard on August 6, with the club being informed on Monday evening that they had been partially successful, but should they collect seven days of missed transfer payments in the next year, then they would have the third window activated meaning they could not trade as normal until January 1, 2027.
“On 3 July 2025, in accordance with EFL Regulations, a three-window Transfer Fee Restriction was imposed on Hull City Association Football Club for accruing 30 days of late payments in the 12-month period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025,” the EFL said in a statement.
“The independent Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) can now confirm that the independent Club Financial Review Panel (CFRP), following an appeal made by the Club, has determined that the appropriate sanction is for the Club to be subject to a three-window Fee Restriction, with one of those windows suspended.
“The suspended window will be triggered in the event that the Club defaults by a further seven days on any payments under the remit of Regulation 52.6 before 1 July 2026. The CFRP’s decision will be published in full in due course.”
For their part, City confirmed the news earlier on Tuesday, thanking supporters for their backing throughout what has been a turbulent period at the MKM Stadium.
“Following our appeal to the Club Financial Review Panel, we have received confirmation that the three-window transfer fee restrictions imposed on us have been reduced to two windows, with the third window suspended. Our justification regarding the payment dates was not accepted by the panel.
“As we have demonstrated in recent weeks, we still remain able to sign players – either on loan or as free agents. We want to take this moment to sincerely thank all our fans for their unwavering support during these challenging times. Our unity and solidarity have shown the football world the strength of the Hull City family. CHALLENGES WILL NEVER BREAK US; THEY ONLY MAKE US STRONGER.”
Despite working under transfer restrictions throughout the summer window, City have still been able to bring in the likes of Oli McBurnie, John Lundstram, Joe Gelhardt, Semi Ajayi and Manchester City loanee Joel Ndala.
The Tigers return to Championship action on Saturday, looking for a second successive home win when they host struggling Blackburn Rovers at the MKM Stadium.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
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