Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has spoken out on the independent commission’s verdict in Manchester City’s financial charges case.
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has likened Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches to doping, insisting any punishment must be severe enough to deter other clubs. He made the remarks to the 1904 Club podcast following an independent commission’s guilty verdict on 114 of 115 charges against City.
Manchester City have maintained their innocence throughout the case and are expected to appeal the verdict. Ilicali is among the first Premier League owners to publicly comment on the verdict, arguing that financial rule-breaking must be treated with utmost seriousness.
“Their chairman says they are innocent. I don’t say they are guilty or not because they are saying they are innocent, and the Premier League says they are not innocent,” Ilicali said via the Mirror, before adding, “If they are not innocent, I think it is no different to doping and winning an Olympic medal. This is financial doping at the end of the day.”
The Hull City owner has experienced the consequences of financial regulations himself. Hull faced EFL sanctions in 2025 for late payments, with transfer restrictions imposed across three windows, though one restriction was later suspended. Ilicali believes the alleged breaches are particularly concerning because of the competitive advantage they create through uncontrolled financial spending.
“Bringing the top four or five players with huge money, breaking the rules. From that side, it doesn’t look very positive,” he said.
Ilicali seeks a significant punishment for Manchester City
Having faced EFL sanctions himself, Ilicali argues City must receive proportionate punishment if the verdict stands after appeal. He cautioned that weak sanctions could encourage other clubs to take similar risks.
“If you give a small punishment, then everybody will do it. For the future of football, and for it to be a clean future, this kind of thing if it happens, should be punished and not let people do something like that.”
Ilicali stressed that clubs with smaller financial resources already face a significant disadvantage against the Premier League’s wealthiest teams. He favours clubs profiting from revenue they naturally generate, but opposes gains from rule-breaking.
“If there is a certain mistake, this mistake is not a mistake like I do it and I can appeal it. If there is a mistake like this, these kind of mistakes give crazy advantages to some teams and it’s not fair,” he added.
Manchester City maintain their innocence and are expected to appeal; any sanction will hinge on that decision. However, the news has certainly led to a lot of speculation regarding the future of the club and their players.
