Hull City can focus on top-flight survival after sorting out issues with Duffen

The Tigers had begun proceedings against the 51-year-old in the High Court last month when allegations were made about his tenure in charge.

Hull accused Duffen of using club money for his own personal expenditure, while his company were alleged to have received payments from agents in return for using those agents to deal with transfers.

At a preliminary hearing on January 22, the former Tigers chairman, who resigned in October last year, denied the charges but agreed to hand over computer files.

The case was expected to go to trial but an out-of-court settlement has been reached which is expected to draw a line under the matter. Neither Tigers chairman Adam Pearson nor Duffen responded when contacted by the Yorkshire Post yesterday.

A club statement read: "Further to a statement made on January 22, 2010, regarding legal action commenced by Hull City against its former chief executive officer, we are pleased to confirm that we have agreed settlement on terms satisfactory to the club. This agreement brings to an end all disputes between the parties."

Duffen was appointed City chairman in June, 2007, following the sale of the then Championship club to an Essex-based consortium.

His departure last year came in the wake of auditors raising concerns about Hull's financial viability.

It was followed by Pearson being invited back to the KC Stadium by owner Russell Bartlett to tackle debts of around 9m.

The legal dispute being settled means Hull can focus on their fight for survival in the Premier League.

Wednesday night's defeat at Blackburn Rovers, when George Boateng was red-carded shortly before half-time following a clash of heads with Morten Gamst Pedersen, saw Phil Brown's side slip to 17th.

The veteran midfielder is facing a three-match ban, although Hull have appealed against the dismissal and the case will be heard at 1pm today.

Manager Phil Brown said: "It was a clash of heads with two players going for the ball. George was unconscious with a head injury and you can tell by the reaction of the players that it (the red card) was impulsive.

"The word 'frivolous' has been attached to the appeals procedure, but the decision could have an effect two or three games down the line if George gets a suspension."

Meanwhile, Hull have been fined 40,000 and warned about their future conduct after admitting to a Football Association charge of failing to control their players in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on December 19. The Gunners denied the charge but were found guilty and fined 20,000.

A bad-tempered encounter erupted shortly before half-time when Samir Nasri appeared to tread on the ankle of Hull's Richard Garcia.

Stephen Hunt then clashed with Nasri and a mass confrontation took place in front of referee Steve Bennett, with Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia sprinting 100 yards to get involved. Once calm had been restored, Bennett eventually booked Hunt and Nasri.

An FA spokesman said: "At a regulatory commission hearing, Arsenal and Hull City were fined for failing to control their players during a match at the Emirates Stadium in December.

"The clubs were charged in relation to a mass confrontation between players from both sides during the fixture on December 19. Hull admitted the charge. Arsenal denied the charge but the commission found it proved.

"Hull City were fined 40,000 while Arsenal were fined 20,000. Both clubs were warned as to their future conduct."