Hull braced for CFCB sanction as Bruce waits over deals

The Tigers, who played in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League this season, have been one of several clubs under investigation by the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB).

Liverpool are also among those to be probed, but while the Reds are expected to be cleared when the CFCB goes public with its findings today, Hull are understood to be in line for a fine.

Last season, Levski Sofia and three Turkish clubs each received a €200,000 fine and Hull’s sanction, which relates to losses over a three-year period, is thought to be of a similar level.

The CFCB is also expected to announce that investigations into Monaco, Inter Milan, Sporting Lisbon and Roma are to continue.

Meanwhile, manager Steve Bruce has admitted that Hull’s perilous position in the Premier League is hampering attempts to agree new contracts with half a dozen of the current squad.

Hull, despite taking seven points from their last three games, are just above the relegation zone with 12 games to play.

Stephen Quinn, Liam Rosenior, Alex Bruce, Paul McShane, Maynor Figueroa and Steve Harper all have contracts that are due to expire in the summer.

Talks have begun with several of them, but with relegation meaning a huge drop in income for any club, Hull need to secure safety before being able to push on with any future deals.

Bruce, whose side travel to Stoke City tomorrow, said: “The difficulty now is the position we are in. It’s a tough time to be handing out contracts when we’re in the bottom five or six.

“It is fair to say we will be turning our attention to that now the transfer window has gone.

“We are not in any great rush. Let’s hope we’re offering up Premier League contracts, but it’s difficult at the minute. We have been talking with a number of players.

“There are no deals set in stone yet. We have been talking with Quinny, to Liam and to Alex and I would think summer is going to be a busy time, in particular.”