Hull City face potential EFL probe after match called off minutes before kick-off

Hull City could be subject to an English Football League investigation after their Championship fixture against Watford was controversially postponed just 18 minutes before kick-off.

Hull City could face investigation after their Championship tie against Watford was postponed

The EFL has confirmed it has asked both clubs to submit their accounts of events surrounding the decision, which was made at the MKM Stadium shortly before the teams were due to take the field. Once those responses have been reviewed, the league will decide whether there are sufficient grounds to open a formal investigation that could potentially lead to disciplinary action.

The late nature of the postponement caused widespread frustration, particularly for Watford, who travelled to East Yorkshire and strongly dispute Hull’s claim that the decision was made by mutual agreement.

According to Hull City, the postponement was agreed by all parties after concerns were raised about safety zones around the pitch. The issues were said to relate not to the playing surface itself, but to the artificial turf surrounding the pitch, which is used for player run-off areas and warm-ups.

However, Watford have publicly rejected that version of events. The Hornets insist they were fully prepared to play and that the referee had already deemed the pitch suitable for the match to go ahead.

In a strongly worded statement, Watford said they were “ready and willing to play” and made clear they did not give their consent to the game being called off. The club also expressed disappointment with both the timing of the decision and the process by which it was reached.

Watford added that the postponement so close to kick-off was “regrettable” and echoed the frustration of their supporters, many of whom had already arrived at the stadium or made long journeys to attend the match.

Hull City could face investigation after their Championship tie against Watford was postponed

The two clubs entered the fixture separated by just one place in the Championship table, adding further significance to the fallout. Hull currently sit just outside the play-off positions, while Watford are narrowly above them, making the abandoned contest an important fixture in the context of the promotion race.

The EFL’s next step will be to assess the written observations provided by both clubs, along with reports from match officials and safety officers. If the league concludes that Hull City failed to meet their obligations under league regulations, sanctions could follow.

One possible outcome would be a requirement for Hull to compensate Watford for costs incurred as a result of the late postponement, such as travel and accommodation expenses. The league also retains the power to impose further disciplinary measures if it believes rules were breached.

However, the prospect of Watford being awarded points without the match being played is considered extremely unlikely. Historically, such outcomes are rare and usually reserved for cases involving serious misconduct or refusal to fulfil a fixture.

The situation has once again highlighted the importance of early and clear communication when concerns arise over matchday conditions. Postponements made so close to kick-off can have significant consequences for clubs, players, supporters, and broadcasters alike.

For now, Hull City await the EFL’s decision on whether the matter will escalate into a formal investigation. Until then, the controversy remains unresolved, with both clubs standing firm on their opposing accounts of how one of the Championship’s most unusual postponements of the season unfolded.