January 20 – Turkish businessman Turkey’s Acun Ilicali (pictured) and his Acun Medya Group have become the new owners of Hull City, completing a €24 million takeover of the Championship club to end the 11-year reign of the Egyptian Allam family.
The club confirmed the new owner on their website with Ilicali taking full control of Hull City. Last year, the Turk expressed strong interest in taking over Dutch club Fortuna Sittard, but that potential takeover never materialised.
Ilicali was presented to the fans before Hull’s match with Premier League promotion contenders Blackburn last night, a game which Hull won 2-0 to take them 7 points clear of the Championship relegation zone.
In a statement, Ilicali said: “I am happy that I have fulfilled one of my biggest dreams today. We are starting a beautiful journey with Hull City. We have many big dreams and goals to achieve together with our fans.”
The Allam family took over Hull in December 2010 and led them to two promotions to the Premier League and the FA Cup final, but endured a strained relationship with the fan base. The Egyptians tried to change the club’s name from Hull City to Hull Tigers.
Departing vice-chairman Ehab Allam said: “During our tenure, we have worked hard to create a sustainable model and successful academy set-up, giving the club the foundations it needs for the future. The ability to develop and trade homegrown talent is an integral part to a sustainable football club, and we look forward to seeing more and more players follow that pathway at Hull City.”
“There have been lots of ups and downs over the last 11 years or so, but we will take some very fond memories with us. Memories of some of the greatest achievements in the club’s history and ones we have been privileged to be a part of. We have worked with some excellent and hard-working managers, players and staff and I’d like to pass on my thanks for all of their efforts over the years.”
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