The Hull City Supporters Trust have called for transparency and clarity from the owners of the football club in the wake of the Tigers being handed a transfer embargo. As previously reported, City have been given a transfer ban that spans three successive transfer windows following the failure of a payment to Aston Villa for last season's loan of Louie Barry, a player the club tried to sign again in the past week.
The EFL have placed the strong sanction on City after the payment failure, with the club planning on appealing the decision and hopeful of winning that appeal due to what they believe is a misinterpretation of the payment agreement between the clubs regarding the time frame for payment. City believe they have done nothing wrong and can fight the embargo.
While that could well be the case, the embargo has brought with it the spotlight on City's finances and the concerns which are being raised over payment and finances surrounding other clubs, players wages and local suppliers. In the light of those concerns and following the transfer embargo, the supporters trust have issued the following statement.
"Hull City Supporters Trust, are deeply concerned by the recent news of a transfer embargo imposed on Hull City AFC by the EFL, as reported by The Telegraph on July 3, 2025. The reported financial issues, including alleged non-payments to other clubs and local suppliers, raise serious questions about the club’s financial management under owner Acun Ilicali.
"While we acknowledge Mr. Ilicali’s significant investment since his 2022 takeover, the reported cash-flow problems and potential for further sanctions, such as a three-window transfer restriction, are alarming. The collapse of the deal to sign Louie Barry and the constraints on registering new players only heighten our concerns about the club’s ability to compete in the Championship.
"We urge the club’s leadership to provide transparency and clarity to supporters regarding the financial situation and the steps being taken to resolve these issues. The Trust calls on Hull City AFC to engage constructively with the EFL to ensure compliance and avoid further penalties that could jeopardise the club’s future.
"Hull City fans deserve a stable and competitive club. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate for the best interests of our supporters and the long-term sustainability of our beloved club."