The EFL have said they have contingency plans in place for if Southampton are expelled from the play-offs

10:40, 15 May 2026Updated 10:50, 15 May 2026

The Sky Bet Championship play-off final is worth millions to the winners(Image: William Early/Getty Images)

The Championship play-off final could be rescheduled if Middlesbrough are reinstated by the EFL’s disciplinary commission, with Tuesday, May 26 an increasingly likely alternative date.

The independent commission will hear the case over Southampton’s charges for alleged spying on Boro’s training session ahead of the first leg of the play-off semi-final over the next few days.

Though Southampton went on to win the two-legged tie, their place in the final is still uncertain because the EFL charge still needs to be heard. It’s our understanding the hearing starts on Friday, with the EFL hoping to have everything settled by next Tuesday, as confirmed in their statement this week.

READ MORE: Spygate LIVE: Middlesbrough ‘issue unusual request’ for hearing as statements released

The same statement confirmed that while, for the time being they were treating the matter as though the final would be played by Southampton and Hull City – allowing both teams to start selling tickets – the EFL ‘has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required’.

Both Hull and Southampton started selling tickets for the final on Friday morning, but both clubs remind on their ticket information page that the game is subject to change and EFL terms and conditions.

Hull City’s statement includes an asterisk after the date, which warns later: “As per the EFL’s most recent communication, supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton may yet result in changes to the fixture.”

It’s understood that, should Boro be reinstated by the independent disciplinary commission, then the date of the final, currently scheduled for Saturday, May 23 (4.30pm KO), may have to be changed. That’s because, as well as allowing the teams to prepare, Boro would need time to sell tickets, while Southampton would be entitled to an appeal process.

As far as the EFL’s contingency plans are concerned, however, they are limited. It is now highly unlikely that the game is moved away from Wembley Stadium. As well as the EFL’s partnership with Wembley, they have allocated over 35,000 tickets to both clubs and there wouldn’t be a suitable alternative venue that could deal with such capacity as well as corporate guests that the EFL will have.

The World Cup is also a factor in determining the date. The EFL could not look for a date after the May 30 Challenge Cup final because FIFA rules dictate that clubs must release players for the upcoming summer international tournament by that date.

The standard date for releasing players for the World Cup is May 25, but FIFA’s regulations state: “Exceptions to the mandatory player release will apply to any players involved in the final matches of their confederation club tournaments and the final matchday of the group stages of these competitions, up to and including 30 May 2026, and subject to FIFA approval.”

That leaves a short period in the week after the original date, for which the final can be rescheduled. The other EFL play-off finals are taking place at Wembley on Sunday and Monday, while the Rugby League Challenge Cup final is scheduled for the following Saturday (May 30).

With time needed to ready the pitch and stadium branding for a Rugby League fixture, the EFL would need to have the Championship final played as early in the week as possible, with Tuesday the logical date given everything will be set up already from the previous two days’ games.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough ‘lodge new request’ in Spygate saga as Southampton hearing set

Amid the uncertainty, Hull City’s Official Supporters Club has hit out at the EFL over the saga and its unfair impact on them.

“The Hull City Official Supporters Club are currently liaising with other supporters groups to register our concern over the possible moving of the play-off final with the EFL.

“This is a situation in which we have had no influence but in which we are, both as a football club and supporters, being penalised. Any decision to move the date of the final will result in many of our supporters not only losing out financially but then facing the prospect of being unable to attend the re-arranged fixture.

“Given that this is a situation which has largely resulted from the EFL’s own error in failing to publish the sanctions for a breach of the rule regarding “spying” on opposition teams we feel this is manifestly unfair.”

The EFL’s statement on Thursday said: “The League recognises that this complex situation has caused concern and disruption for supporters, particularly those making travel arrangements, and will continue to provide as much clarity as possible.

“However, in these clearly exceptional circumstances, the League considers this to be the most appropriate course of action.”

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