City facing a big challenge after transfer and loan fees decision

MISTAKES WERE MADE AS EFL RULES WERE CLEAR

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City now know the outcome of their appeal against the three-window ban on paying transfer and loan fees, and while the outcome is not what they wanted, at least there's a degree of clarity.

That clarity has been badly lacking all summer, ever since the appeal was submitted at the start of July. Even after the appeal hearing on August 6, the club were only informed of the outcome late on Monday evening almost two weeks on.

As always, and with any situation, knowing what you're dealing with is much better than being in the dark. City can now move forward with a degree of clarity, albeit set against a backdrop of knowing that if they don't pay on time, they'll be back to square one in terms of punishment.

City's biggest challenge now is not falling foul of the rules again. Otherwise, the third window will come into effect, and that will mean they cannot pay fees until January 2027, something that would be a blow. As it stands, assuming they pay their debts on time, they'll be able to trade as normal next summer.

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of it, let's be clear. This is not a good look for the football club and whether the EFL have been heavy-handed or not, is a moot point. When you agree to buy a player, you also agree to the payment terms in the contract, and those payments have to be made.

The EFL does not allow late payments of more than 30 days in a 12-month period, and City totted up a significant amount above that, according to the EFL.