The English Football League (EFL) has taken the first step towards a potential investigation after Hull City's Championship fixture against Watford was dramatically postponed less than 20 minutes before it was due to start.
Late Call-Off Sparks Fury and Formal Requests
The match at the MKM Stadium was called off a mere 18 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off, leading to significant frustration, particularly from the visiting team. The EFL has now formally asked both clubs for their observations on the chaotic events. Officials will assess the evidence before deciding whether to launch a full probe, which could result in disciplinary action against Hull.
Conflicting Accounts Over Pitch Safety
The decision to postpone was not related to the main playing surface but instead concerned safety issues with the artificial turf surrounding the pitch. Hull City released an initial statement claiming all parties had agreed to the postponement. However, Watford strongly contradicted this, insisting they were ready to play and did not consent to the call-off.
"We reiterate we were ready and willing to play after the pitch was passed fit by the referee," a Watford statement said. "We remain disappointed by the decision to postpone and by how the decision was reached. We did not agree to the postponement."
Potential Consequences for The Tigers
Should the EFL's assessment find grounds for an investigation and subsequently rule that Hull breached competition rules, the club could face significant penalties. The most likely outcome would be a financial penalty, potentially including compensation paid to Watford for the costs incurred. While points deductions are a possibility in severe cases, the league is highly unlikely to award points to Watford without the match being played.
The incident has cast a shadow over a crucial period in the Championship season, with Hull positioned just outside the play-off places and Watford one place above them.
