Hull City confirm club takeover
Turkish TV presenter takes over the Tigers
Last updated 19th Jan 2022
The deal has finally been announced – Turkish TV presenter Acun Ilicali has been named the new owner of Hull City FC replacing Assem Allam who’s been in charge of the club since 2010.
The announcement was made after his meeting with the Allams family and the EFL this lunchtime (19th January)
Ilicali is a Turkish broadcaster, international TV producer and businessman – owning a series of TV channels.
On 15th December, Acun took to twitter saying how he dreamt of the club becoming ‘a family.
Tensions have been building over the past few weeks among fans who were expecting an announcement to be made at Hull City's home game against Everton.
Lexi Ogram is a Hull fan, she said:
“It feels like a long time coming, it’s an exciting time. We've seen he's got a passion for football and he seems to be very determined to take over the club and clearly has a lot of plans and goals of where he wants to see us so.
In a Club statement on their website Hull City said:
"The acquisition has been approved and ratified by the English Football League and sees Acun Medya take full control of the club with immediate effect."
"Acun Medya Group, established in 2004 by creative force, entertainment and sports enthusiast, digital platform owner and operator Acun Ilıcalı, is a leading international production company and broadcasting group. Acun Medya Group at present, in addition to producing daytime and primetime content in Europe, South and North America, also operates two national mainstream TV channels in Turkey, TV8 and TV8,5 and Exxen which is one of the most-subscribed OTT service."
"Acun Medya Group is a passionate and devoted group of creatives and format producers who aim to deliver entertaining, inspirational, and high-quality content to audiences. Acun Medya Group, whilst expanding rapidly across the globe, characterises itself as not only producing original formats for markets across the world, but also with a 360-degree focus on the TV business, as well as providing expertise in broadcasting strategies, digital integration and innovative commercial initiatives."
Ehab Allam, departing vice-Chairman of Hull City, said:
“I've personally thought it was the right time for new owners at the club for quite a while now and I know a lot of other people will feel the same, I've been quite disconnected from the club for quite a few years which even though I'm still going to games I just don't feel the same the same way that I did when I was when I was first going to the club when I was really young so this takeover should hopefully bring back those good feelings for a lot of people.”
“We are happy and proud to be leaving Hull City on a strong and stable financial footing. 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.
“The time has now come for a new owner to take up the mantle and I’d like to wish Acun and his team the very best for the future. We have taken a very business-led approach to running the club and I truly hope Acun can rebuild the relationship with the fanbase and also bring back the success on the pitch that fans crave and deserve.”
Acun Ilıcalı, founder of Acun Medya, 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. I would like to thank the Allam family for the friendship and sincerity they have shown during this process. I genuinely believe that we will achieve success with the amazing fans of this beautiful city.”