Middlesbrough will take on Hull City in the final at Wembley after Southampton were expelled from the competition.
10:31, 20 May 2026Updated 10:47, 20 May 2026
Middlesbrough will be playing in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.(Image: Paul Harding/Getty Images)
The kick-off time for the Championship play-off final between Middlesbrough and Hull City has been confirmed as 3:30pm on Saturday, May 23. However, should the outcome of the ongoing appeal process result in the final being between Hull and Southampton, the kick-off time will remain at 4:30pm.
Despite suffering a heartbreaking extra-time loss against Southampton in the semi-final just over a week ago, Boro will be making their way down Wembley Way for a chance to play in the Premier League next season. It comes after Southampton were expelled from the final after admitting to spying on Middlesbrough’s preparations for the first leg.
The decision came after a hearing in front of an independent commission on Tuesday. In a statement that same evening, the EFL confirmed Southampton’s expulsion.
“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,” it read.
“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.
Middlesbrough are now set to play Hull City in the play-off final on Saturday
“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.”
Southampton decided to appeal the decision. In a statement of their own, Middlesbrough said: “Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing.
“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct.
“As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.
“Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly.”