Pogoń Szczecin Launches Legal Action Against Hull City Following Staff Departure
Pogoń Szczecin owner Alex Haditaghi has initiated legal proceedings against English club Hull City following the abrupt departure of scouting and recruitment director Okan Ozkan. Ozkan, who joined the Polish club in January, left for the Premier League side with only hours of notice, allegedly violating a 90-day contractual notice period, according to statements released by Haditaghi on the platform X.
Why is the departure of Okan Ozkan causing legal friction?
The core of the dispute lies in the transition timeline. According to Alex Haditaghi, the club was notified of Ozkan’s decision at 4:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, and the executive left Poland by 9:00 p.m. the same day. Haditaghi asserts that the club’s contract with the 35-year-old included a mandatory 90-day notice period, which was ignored. Haditaghi stated that Hull City was “fully aware” of these contractual obligations but pressured the director to depart immediately.
While Pogoń Szczecin initially issued a formal statement acknowledging the professional milestone of a staff member moving to the Premier League, the club owner’s subsequent comments signaled a sharp break from that sentiment. Haditaghi explicitly stated that the club is “disappointed” in both the individual and the English club’s conduct, characterizing the move as “irresponsible, improper, and illegal.”
How does this impact recruitment and club operations?
The sudden nature of the exit has left Pogoń Szczecin without a contingency plan for the scouting department. Haditaghi noted that the organization did not expect to lose a key member of their project with only hours of notice.
Okan Ozkan was touted as the first sports director to move directly from a Polish club to a Premier League team, a fact Pogoń Szczecin highlighted as a testament to the quality of their internal professional structures before the dispute escalated.
What are the broader trends in football staff movement?
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal action has been taken?
Alex Haditaghi confirmed that Pogoń Szczecin has initiated legal proceedings against Hull City and its owners, citing what the club describes as a breach of contract and improper conduct regarding the 90-day notice period.
Who is Okan Ozkan?
Ozkan is a 35-year-old sports executive who served as the director of the scouting and recruitment department at Pogoń Szczecin starting in January before moving to Hull City.
Why was the 90-day notice period significant?
According to Haditaghi, the notice period was a binding part of the contract designed to allow the club to prepare for the loss of key personnel and ensure organizational continuity.
Have thoughts on the professional standards of staff transfers in modern football? Share your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on this unfolding legal case.