West Ham’s 14-year stay in the Premier League came to an end on the final day of the season, despite a win over Leeds at London Stadium. The result was not enough to keep the Hammers up, and the club now face life in the Championship. But the relegation battle was not the only drama in English football this week: newly promoted Hull City, who beat Middlesbrough in the play-off final to secure a return to the top flight and guaranteed riches of around £200m, have an overspend of about £6m on their profit and sustainability calculation. Under English Football League rules, that could lead to a six-point penalty. The club must now sell players before the end of the month to avoid a potential points deduction in the Premier League.
Initially it was believed the overspend had been caused by promotion bonuses triggered by the 1-0 victory over Boro at Wembley, but those payments are effectively ghosted in the accounts for the season in which the promotion happens. Hull would have faced PSR challenges regardless of winning the play-off final. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport that Hull’s losses had been “relatively modest” in recent seasons, but only possible with their transfer business, including £33m from sales of winger Jaden Philogene and defender Jacob Greaves. “Their numbers were good partly due to the fact that they had some very successful player sales and they contribute towards covering losses,” said Maguire. He added that the club lost just under £19m in 2023-24, and around £10m in 2024-25, suggesting an overspend in 2025-26 in the region of £17m before infrastructure, academy and community costs.
“West Ham relegated despite finale win, Hull face points deduction over £6m overspend”
Hull owner Acun Ilicali has been candid about the situation. “We have overspent and we have to sell some players before 1 July,” he told a Q&A at the MKM Stadium. “I’m not afraid. We have managed harder things. For us, this is more manageable. Now we are a Premier League team, the values of players has raised up which is a good advantage.” However, Ilicali may have surrendered some bargaining power by openly admitting the clock is ticking. Only profit from any player sale would count towards the £6m overspend. Some key players – including Joe Gelhardt, Amir Hadziahmetovic, John Lundstram and Lewis Koumas – were only on loan. The club had already been restricted to loans and free agents in 2025-26 as punishment for late transfer payments.
Across the Atlantic, England’s World Cup path is coming into focus. The Three Lions face Croatia in their opening group game, and the result could shape their route. If England win Group L, they will play in the round of 32 against one of the best third-placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J, or K. That match is on July 1 in Atlanta, with Spain a possible opponent after the Euro 2024 winners were held in their first group game. A round of 16 victory would likely bring a clash with the winner of Group A or a surprise third-placed team, on July 5 in Mexico City, potentially against hosts Mexico. The quarter-finals are in Miami on July 11, where Brazil could await if they win Group C and win two knockout ties. A semi-final in Atlanta on July 15 could see England face holders Argentina, if the world champions emerge from Group B, J or K.