Hull City up for sale following name change row
ASSEM Allam, the owner of Hull City, has put the club up for sale.
The businessman said he put the football club up for sale 22 hours after the decision to reject the name change to Hull Tigers was confirmed in April.
An appeal is being lodged against the name change rejection with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and at a press conference, Allam said he would either sell the club or stay if the appeal against the decision was reversed.
Allam said he remained committed to the Premier League club until either the name was changed or a sale was completed.
Allam, who runs manufacturer and supplier of generators, Allam Marine in Melton, East Yorkshire, told press: “We stated earlier this year that the club would be for sale if our attempt to globally promote Hull Tigers as a brand name and playing name be blocked.
“As a consequence of the FA’s decision on April 9 I announced within 24 hours, actually within 22 hours, that Hull City is for sale.
“I am using the wording Hull City now to show respect to the FA decision. This announcement is in accordance with my decision 10 months ago that I would walk away within 24 hours (if the rebrand was unsuccessful).
“In actual fact it was 22 hours. When I say something I mean it.
“Until the conclusion of that appeal or the sale, whichever comes first, we will remain fully committed to the club.
“If the appeal comes first, okay, no harm done. If the sale comes first – sold.”
In a statement, Allam, who has been credited with saving the club from financial disaster when he bought it in 2010, added: “I thank the fans, Steve Bruce, our players, and our team behind the team here and at the training ground for their tremendous support. My special thanks to Ehab Allam, who has worked tirelessly since January as a chief executive at the club in addition to his normal duties as operation director at Allam Marine.”
Allam hasn’t revealed what price he hopes to get for the club.
Recent financial accounts showed that by the end of July last year Allam had loaned £72m to fund the club’s rise from near administration to Premier League promotion in 2013 and FA Cup finalists last season. This summer the club spent around £25m on new players for manager Steve Bruce, recouping £15m by selling Shane Long and George Boyd.
