by Sam Hawcroft
Hull City are now set to face Middlesbrough at Wembley after Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs in one of the most extraordinary decisions in EFL history.
The Tigers’ opponents have changed just days before Saturday’s final after Southampton admitted multiple breaches of EFL regulations relating to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training sessions.
Middlesbrough have been reinstated into the play-offs and are now due to face Hull City in the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23.
However, Southampton have the right to appeal, and the EFL has warned that the outcome could still lead to a further change to Saturday’s fixture.
The parties are working to resolve any appeal on Wednesday, May 20, leaving Hull City supporters facing another period of uncertainty before the final.
The final remains scheduled for Saturday, May 23, with the kick-off time still to be confirmed.
An Independent Disciplinary Commission has also handed Southampton a four-point deduction, which will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all charges.
The EFL said Southampton had 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 relate to fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.
Southampton had originally been due to face Hull City in the final after beating Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time at St Mary’s on Tuesday night, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Riverside.
But the tie was thrown into controversy after allegations that a Southampton staff member had filmed Middlesbrough’s training session before the first leg.
Middlesbrough had called for Southampton to be removed from the play-offs, arguing that any lesser punishment would fail to protect sporting integrity.
That call has now been upheld by the commission, although Southampton’s right of appeal means the position is not yet entirely settled.
In a statement, the EFL said: “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.
“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 were first charged on Friday, May 8, with further charges issued on Sunday, May 17, in relation to additional breaches during the 2025-26 season.
The EFL said those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were started.
The league added: “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 said it was now in discussion with Hull City, Middlesbrough and Southampton about the implications of the decision and would make a further announcement in due course.
The commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.
The decision follows days of uncertainty for Hull City supporters, many of whom had already booked travel and accommodation for Wembley before knowing whether the final would go ahead as planned, or who the Tigers would face.