Hull City have reached the Championship Play-off final and should face Southampton – but their participation is in major doubt following the spying allegations levelled at them by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough
13:46, 14 May 2026Updated 16:25, 14 May 2026
Referee Andy Madley has words with Kim Hellberg of Middlesbrough and Tonda Eckert of Southampton as tempers simmer during the semi-final(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
The independent hearing into ‘Spygate’ will take place on Friday to decide the fate of Southampton’s promotion hopes.
A commission made up of three legal experts is expected to hold the meeting behind closed doors in London.
Southampton have been charged by the EFL with spying on a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough ahead of last week’s Championship play-off, first leg.
Southampton beat Middlesbrough over two legs to set-up a final showdown with Hull City. But the showpiece game, which is worth more than £200m to the eventual winners, could be in serious danger of getting postponed.
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The commission will examine the charges – and has the power to expel Southampton from the competition if found guilty. But this would result in a legal challenge from Southampton’s owners ‘Sport Republic’, which would have to be held this weekend if the play-off final was to still take place at Wembley on May 23.
The EFL have been unable to confirm what time the game will kick-off. In the meantime, Hull have been left in limbo as a result of the scandal.
The Tigers have now pleaded for patience from frustrated fans, who have been unable to purchase tickets or book travel arrangements for the trip to London.
Hull have yet to provide ticket details to their supporters for the play-off final(Image: Getty Images)
Tickets will not be printed or made available until the outcome of the hearing has been confirmed.
The Tigers issued a statement saying full details of the ticket sales process would be communicated “in due course”.
It said: “Until then, we kindly ask supporters to refrain from contacting the ticket office while final details are being confirmed. We appreciate your continued patience and support.”
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