The EFL are hopeful of having the Spygate matter settled by next Tuesday, with Middlesbrough, Southampton and Hull City still waiting to learn if the Championship play-off final will be moved
Hull City will play at Wembley later this month for a place in the Premier League(Image: John Lamb via Getty Images)
Hull City’s Championship play-off final may need to be rearranged if Middlesbrough are reinstated following the EFL’s disciplinary commission, with Tuesday, May 26 emerging as an increasingly likely alternative date.
The independent commission is set to examine the case concerning Southampton’s charges for alleged spying on Boro’s training session before the first leg of the play-off semi-final in the coming few days.
Despite Southampton progressing from the two-legged tie, their spot in the final remains in doubt as the EFL charge has yet to be heard. It’s understood the hearing commences on Friday, with the EFL aiming to resolve everything by next Tuesday, as stated in their announcement this week.
The same statement confirmed that while, for now, they were proceeding on the basis that the final would feature Southampton and Hull City – permitting both sides to begin ticket sales – the EFL ‘has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required’.
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Both Hull and Southampton began selling tickets for the final on Friday morning, though both clubs note on their ticket information page that the fixture is subject to change and EFL terms and conditions. Hull City’s statement features an asterisk beside the date, which cautions 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, the final’s date, presently scheduled for Saturday, May 23 (4.30pm KO), might need to be altered. This is because, besides giving the teams preparation time, Boro would require time to sell tickets, while Southampton would be entitled to an appeal process.
Regarding the EFL’s contingency arrangements, though, options are restricted. It’s now extremely unlikely that the match will be relocated from Wembley Stadium. Given the EFL’s partnership with Wembley, plus the allocation of over 35,000 tickets to both clubs, there wouldn’t be a suitable alternative venue capable of accommodating such capacity as well as the corporate guests the EFL will host.
The World Cup also plays a role in deciding the date. The EFL couldn’t seek a date beyond the May 30 Challenge Cup final because FIFA regulations stipulate that clubs must release players for the forthcoming summer international tournament by that date. The standard deadline 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.”
This leaves a brief window in the week following the original date, during which the final could be rescheduled. The other EFL play-off finals are being held at Wembley on Sunday and Monday, while the Rugby League Challenge Cup final is pencilled in for the following Saturday (May 30).
Given the time required to prepare the pitch and stadium signage for a Rugby League fixture, the EFL would need the Championship final to take place as early in the week as possible, with Tuesday appearing the most sensible option since everything will already be in place from the preceding two days’ matches.
Amid the ongoing 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.”
In its statement released on Thursday, the EFL 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.”