Hull City will take on Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium after Southampton were expelled from the competition.
10:45, 20 May 2026Updated 11:03, 20 May 2026
Hull will take on Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire.)
Hull City will take on Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium at 3.30pm on Saturday, May 23, it has been confirmed. The Tigers will take on Boro following if Southampton’s expulsion from the competition is upheld.
The Saints were punished amid the Spygate situation, where they admitted to secretly filming Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of the play-off semi-final, which is against the rules. Southampton are appealing the decision, and if they are successful, then the kick-off in the final will revert back to 4.30pm.
Southampton beat Boro in their play-off semi-final, a 0-0 draw in the first leg was followed by a 2-1 win for Saints in extra-time of the second leg. Preparations for a trip to Wembley had already begun, with the club selling out their allocation of tickets before the verdict was given.
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However, the hearing has seen them expelled and replaced by Middlesbrough. Southampton will also be docked four points at the start of next season.
For Hull, concentration will now be on overcoming Kim Hellberg’s side. Confirming the details for the final, a statement from the EFL read: “Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Hull City and Middlesbrough will kick-off at 15:30.
“Should the outcome of the ongoing appeal process result in the Final being contested by Hull City and Southampton, the kick-off time for the fixture will remain at 16:30.”
The change of opponents for Hull at Wembley was confirmed on Tuesday evening, with the EFL confirming Southampton’s punishment. “An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training,” a statement read.
Hull City players celebrate making it to the play-off final, where they will now face Middlesbrough. (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
“In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges.
“The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.
“Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season. Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.
“Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.
“Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.
“The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course.”