Hull City Ladies Chair Requests Club Relegation Amid Financial Mismanagement Allegations

Daniel Johnson, the chair and co-owner of Hull City Ladies, has submitted a formal request to the Football Association (FA) for the club to be relegated from the third tier of women’s football. The move comes amid serious allegations from within the club regarding financial mismanagement.

Multiple sources close to the club allege that Johnson’s request is retaliatory, following public criticism from several players on social media over the past 72 hours. In those posts, players have voiced deep concerns over the club’s stability and future. One player warned that the team “might not exist in a few weeks."

According to information provided to The Guardian, individuals with knowledge of the club's finances have alleged that there is a financial shortfall of at least £200,000 over the past five seasons. This alleged “black hole” remains unaccounted for in the club’s accounts. The Guardian has reached out to Johnson for comment.

Additional allegations of misconduct have reportedly been submitted to the FA by other club personnel. The governing body is understood to be working alongside the club in an effort to resolve the ongoing issues. Johnson’s request for voluntary relegation is believed to have been made independently, without the backing of the club’s board or committee members. FA protocol typically requires such requests to be formally supported by the club’s leadership. Johnson, who holds a 50% stake in the parent company of Hull City Ladies, is one of two directors.

Currently, Hull City Ladies sit ninth in the Northern Premier Division, well clear of the relegation zone by 14 points, with only one fixture remaining in the season. The club is not affiliated with the men’s Championship side, Hull City AFC.

Players have also raised concerns over welfare standards at the club, including the lack of medical insurance and absence of a dedicated strength and conditioning coach. It has been reported that eight players have suffered serious knee injuries over the past 18 months.

Midfielder Hope Knight voiced her frustration in a Facebook post, stating:

That’s not a coincidence. That’s what happens when footballers are treated like an afterthought – when ambition is replaced by greed.”

Other individuals, speaking anonymously, have alleged that Johnson "hopes the club will have to close down," describing his actions as “deliberate self-harm” intended to punish the players. Knight further stated:

“We can’t stay silent any longer. This is our reality, and it’s time people knew. As players and staff, we’ve seen it with our own eyes – we’ve been lied to, manipulated and bullied.”

Carol Thomas, the former England captain and club ambassador, also stepped down in response to the situation. She announced her resignation via a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Sadly, I was left with no alternative, given the revelations made to me by staff, players and sponsors alike. These are in direct conflict with my personal standards. My option to support the club remains open. But I can only remain or return once it can be proven that the club is run by and to the standards expected.”

The ongoing developments have cast a shadow over the club’s operations, prompting scrutiny from the football community and governing bodies alike. The FA’s investigation and the internal review will likely be pivotal in determining the club’s immediate future.