25.05.2026 11:05
Acun Ilıcalı's Hull City defeated Middlesbrough with a goal in the 90+5th minute to be promoted to the Premier League. Ilıcalı made history as the first Turkish club owner in the Premier League.
Hull City, owned by Acun Ilıcalı, defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 in the Championship play-off final with a goal in extra time, securing promotion to the Premier League. With this result, Acun Ilıcalı made history as the first Turkish club owner in the Premier League.
THE HISTORIC GOAL CAME IN EXTRA TIME
In the final match played at Wembley Stadium, no goals were scored in regular time. During extra time, Hull City's star Oli McBurnie stepped up. McBurnie's goal in the 90+5th minute opened the door to the Premier League for the English side.
BACK TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE AFTER 9 YEARS
Thus, Hull City succeeded in returning to the Premier League after a 9-year hiatus. The club owned by Acun Ilıcalı achieved a historic success.
APPROXIMATELY 300 MILLION EURO REVENUE
It was stated that Hull City, promoted to the Premier League, would gain significant economic benefits. The English side is reported to earn approximately 300 million euros from broadcast revenues and sponsorships.
“I COULDN'T EXPERIENCE THE MATCH”
Speaking after the match, Acun Ilıcalı expressed great joy. Ilıcalı said, “An hour ago, I had a club in the Premier League. So I am very happy. May God bless everyone from our country who supported us.”
“YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE CITY”
Stating that he experienced intense stress, Ilıcalı said, “I have 600 messages on my phone right now. Having this many friends makes me very happy. I couldn't experience the match. When there is so much responsibility, you can't experience the match. You are responsible for the entire city here.”
HE WENT DOWN IN TURKISH FOOTBALL HISTORY
Thus, Acun Ilıcalı went down in history as the first Turkish person to own a Premier League club. Hull City's success was also closely followed by Turkish football fans.