Council takes legal action against Hull City owners

Hull City owners are facing legal action from the city’s council after the club installed artificial grass in Airco Arena.

Hull City Council has taken legal proceedings against the company running Airco Arena, Stadium Management Company (SMC), due to breaching the lease agreement over the venue’s use.

Several amatuer clubs that frequently used the facility were barred from the premises after the artificial 3G pitch was installed in April.

Hull City owner Assem Allam and his son Ehab own the SMC, which manages the sports complex in Hull’s West Park which includes the KC Stadium, home of Hull City and Hull FC.

However, the facilities were built, and are still owned, by the council.

In April, Ehab claimed the pitch was installed as a requirement for Hull City to secure an upgraded academy licence.

Ian Anderson, the council’s chief legal officer, said via a statement: “It is regrettable that, after exploring all possible options, we are left with no alternative but to issue legal proceedings against the Stadium Management Company.

“The council has done everything it can to resolve this issue without resorting to legal action, with the aim of securing an outcome that satisfies the needs of both Hull City Football Club and the many local community users who previously utilised the facilities at the Airco Arena.

“While we have managed to help many of the sports groups who are affected, there are many for whom the Airco Arena provides the only option. The facility remains an important part of the city’s community sports provision, reflecting the reason the council originally invested in its development, and we have a duty to safeguard that.

“We would like to emphasise that our door remains open to the SMC and the club should they wish to discuss how we can reach an amicable solution, which is obviously in the best interest of all concerned.”

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