The Championship outfit faced a second transfer embargo in a week due to an overdue payment to Manchester City for last season’s loan of defender Fin Burns.

The debt was settled on Monday, lifting the embargo before it would have been publicly reported by the EFL.

Hull also faces a separate three-window fee restriction related to Louie Barry’s loan from Aston Villa, which they are appealing, with owner Acun Ilicali calling it a “misunderstanding.”

Under these sanctions, Hull City can only sign free agents or loanees without additional fees.

Ilicali has now addressed fan concerns in an open letter, clarifying no issues exist with Aston Villa, explaining the Burns payment was delayed due to a failed player sale, and noting a £1.5m shortfall from an unpaid player transfer caused cash flow issues.

He reaffirmed his financial support and confidence in the club’s appeal and future.

An open letter from our Chairman, @acunilicali. #hcafc

— Hull City (@HullCity) July 8, 2025

He said: “Dear Hull City Supporters,

“It is clear there has been a lot of misinformation circulating in the last few days, so I wanted to clarify a few matters.

“There are zero issues between us and Aston Villa, in relation to both Louie Barry and Jaden Philogene arrangements, and we are very confident in our appeal case.

“The Fin Burns situation is actually quite simple. We intended to use proceeds of a player sale to settle this fee and as soon as the EFL told us this wasn’t possible – due to reasons not related to us, we made a direct payment immediately to end the matter.

“With regards to payments to suppliers, unfortunately, the club experienced a cash flow issue when it didn’t receive a £1.5m payment for a player which was intended to clear invoices from suppliers. I will cover this shortfall until we receive the funds we are owed and our team are in communication with all suppliers to rectify any outstanding issues as soon as possible.

“When I spoke with our fans last week, I told them the club is losing money and I am supporting when required. The club will always have my full backing whenever it needs it.

“I want to reassure our fans that we have zero conflict with any clubs. Perhaps there were some finance administrative errors but I am sure the EFL will be understanding to our appeal and we are confident in our case.

“People are entitled to their opinions and to write a different story, that is life, but I will always be behind our club. Our squad has £100m potential, we have a very good coach, the best fans and if we are united together we can achieve our dreams.

“UTT. Acun Ilıcalı, Hull City Chairman”

What Kieran Maguire and Hull City owner Acun Ilicali had to say on club’s financial position

: This is how it all starts…. from a Reading fan

: Why didn’t you settle the invoices earlier if you’re willing to cover the shortfalls when needed?

: Agree or disagree with the man, he’s extremely passionate and defends himself very well. I don’t know who to believe anymore but everything he is saying is very plausible. Let’s just see what the EFL say, get these players over the line and let the football do the talking

: I want to believe it. Not sure if do tbh. £100m squad? I don’t agree with that. Ohh well.

: So, if we are owed 1.5m for a player does the team owing us get sanctioned too? It still seems a bit dodgy but we can only go on whats being said and if this is the statement, thats what it is. Hopefully we can get back on track and stabilise 25/26.
#hcafc #UTT

: This hasn’t reassured me one bit. Suppliers to be paid on receipt of £1.5M payment. Squad with “£100M potential” – he’s desperately hoping he can get his £s back. No matter how you frame this, being under a transfer restriction showcases mismanagement #hcafc

: we’re relying on a 1.5 mill pound player sale 😂😂 imagine being one of these local companies and seeing he’s taking a load of people on a free holiday but not paying his bill. Joke of a bloke 🤦🏻‍♂️ #hcafc

: ultimately it all comes down to the EFL’s decision that’s when we’ll find out the truth #hcafc

: The man couldn’t be more delusional and has completely lost any remaining trust I had in him. “£100m potential”, “administrative errors”.. Just utter nonsense. #hcafc

: I’m sorry, but I just don’t believe anything you say anymore. #hcafc

: This statement doesn’t answer many question we as fans have been asking. It’s still poor management to let it get to this point. #hcafc #AcunOut

: To be fair, I’ll take that on its merit, this time. If issues continue to exist, Acun would need to leave the running of the club to others. Local businesses should be prioritised, and EFL deadlines must be met. Hopefully, Acun and those at the club heed their warning. #hcafc

: For once Acun, can you stop taking fans for idiots and be honest. There’s no way we’re going through all these problems because of simple accountancy issues. The club is on its knees and you’re pretending that nothing is wrong. Wake up and stop taking us for morons #hcafc

@adbr1985: So I presume whichever club owed us £1.5m, then they will obviously have been reported to the EFL and will be hit with sanctions and restrictions on their future transfer dealings. And we will find out soon which club that is…..if that’s true 😶 #hcafc

@HcafcT: He’s communicated which is the main thing. Whether you believe him or not, the fans have to stick with the club. We may not agree with everything being done but we have to push in the same direction. Let’s hope this last couple of weeks is a stern warning #hcafc