Hull City owe Allam family seven-figure sum after Premier League promotion, confirms Acun Ilicali
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has confirmed the club will make a seven-figure payment to the Allam family as part of their agreement following promotion to the Premier League. The clause was written into the 2022 purchase deal and triggered by last weekend's Wembley win over Middlesbrough.
- Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium
- The win came ten years after Hull City were relegated from the Premier League
- Acun Ilicali bought Hull City in January 2022
- A significant seven-figure payment is due to the Allam family under the terms of the purchase agreement
- Ehab Allam has been a regular at the MKM Stadium since his family's ownership ended
- Assem Allam, Ehab's father, passed away recently
What was said
"Yes, we do (have a payment agreement). Ehab (Allam) has always been supporting us. I have a very good relationship with him.
There's something most people don't know: Assem had the right to sell Keane Lewis-Potter when I was about to buy the club. Before I bought Hull City, the Allam family had a £10m offer to buy him, but they didn't sell him.
One day before I bought the club, Assem said to me: 'Do you know why I'm not selling Keane Lewis-Potter?' I said 'no', and he told me that 'I love this city and I don't want to cause damage to this club. I want this club to stay in the league, so I am not selling him. When you buy the club, please don't sell him because the offer can go to £15m, so I am not selling him now.'
Ehab, in our relations over the past four years, has always been helpful in everything. When we had the problems with the (play-off) semi-final, and we were facing the change of team after being informed one day before, we had at least three or four meetings with Ehab. I have always listened to his advice and his experience. He has helped me a lot in that situation, too. About this money, he will never push us, and of course, he will cooperate with us, but we will pay."
The numbers
The payment is described as a significant seven-figure sum. The clause was part of the agreement when Ilicali purchased the club in January 2022. The Allam family had previously turned down a £10m offer for Keane Lewis-Potter, who later joined Brentford for £15m the following summer after Hull City secured Championship survival.
Analysis: A debt of honour and a bond with the Allams
Ilicali's revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes relationship between the current owner and the family that preceded him. The seven-figure payment is a contractual obligation, but Ilicali's tone suggests it is also a matter of respect. His anecdote about Assem Allam's decision not to sell Keane Lewis-Potter paints a picture of a former owner who prioritised the club's stability over immediate financial gain.
The reference to the play-off semi-final problems and the change of team 'one day before' hints at the turmoil Hull City faced, though specifics are not provided. Ilicali's reliance on Ehab Allam's advice during that period indicates a relationship that goes beyond mere business. This payment, while significant, appears to be made willingly, with Ilicali emphasising that Ehab 'will never push us' but that they will pay.
Talking points
- The payment clause was triggered by promotion, ten years after Hull City's last Premier League relegation.
- Assem Allam's refusal to sell Lewis-Potter for £10m before the takeover is a key detail, showing his commitment to the club's future.
- Ehab Allam's continued presence at the MKM Stadium and his advisory role during the play-off semi-final underline the ongoing connection between the Allam family and Hull City.
What happens next
Hull City will make the payment to the Allam family, with Ilicali confirming they will pay despite Ehab Allam's cooperative stance. The club now prepares for life in the Premier League under Ilicali's ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Hull City owe the Allam family money?
Under the terms of Acun Ilicali's purchase of Hull City in January 2022, a clause was agreed that would see the former owner benefit financially if the club returned to the Premier League. Promotion was secured with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Wembley, triggering a significant seven-figure payment.
What was Assem Allam's role in Keane Lewis-Potter's transfer?
Assem Allam, the late father of Ehab Allam, had the right to sell Keane Lewis-Potter before Ilicali bought the club. The Allam family had a £10m offer but declined, with Assem telling Ilicali he did not want to damage the club. Lewis-Potter later moved to Brentford for £15m after Hull City survived in the Championship.
How does Acun Ilicali describe his relationship with Ehab Allam?
Ilicali says he has a very good relationship with Ehab Allam, who has been supportive and helpful over the past four years. During the play-off semi-final problems, they met several times, and Ilicali has listened to Allam's advice and experience.
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