Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has suggested the club may pursue legal action following Saturday's Championship play-off final, claiming legal advice indicates Hull should be promoted directly to the Premier League after Southampton’s expulsion from the competition.
Southampton were removed from contention for admitting to spying on other teams. Middlesbrough, who had been eliminated, were reinstated in their place and now face Hull at Wembley. Ilicali argued that it is unfair for an eliminated team to return to the final.
Ilicali has temporarily halted legal discussions to ensure the team remains focused on the match. He expressed frustration over the distraction, noting that eight of the ten days leading up to the final had been consumed by controversy.
The owner praised Hull's players as “heroes” for their resilience in handling the uncertainty surrounding their opponents and schedule. While the winners are expected to gain a £205 million revenue boost over three seasons, Ilicali insisted his primary motivation is not financial.
“I didn’t go into the football business to make money,” he said. “I believe in destiny. If it is good for us to go to the Premier League this year, let’s go, but if it’s going to be a bad future for us … it’s better we go next year.”
