EFL Rejects Southampton Appeal, Middlesbrough to Face Hull at Wembley

The English Football League (EFL) has rejected Southampton's appeal against its exclusion from the promotion play‑off final versus Hull City. The decision was announced on Wednesday evening.

Southampton, a Championship club, had been barred from the final, and its request to overturn the sanction was denied by the governing body. The appeal’s failure leaves the fixture unchanged.

As a result, Middlesbrough will meet Hull City on Saturday at 15:30 in the Wembley Stadium. The match determines who secures the last promotion slot to the Premier League for the 2026‑27 season.

The winner of the showdown will claim the final ticket to the top flight, while the loser remains in the Championship. Both clubs understand the high stakes attached to the single game.

The ruling follows the recent “Spygate” scandal that disrupted the play‑off schedule earlier this week. The EFL’s decision restores the competition’s structure ahead of the final.

Wembley, the iconic venue for English finals, will host the decisive encounter. Fans are expected to fill the stadium for the 15:30 kickoff.

The outcome will shape the composition of next season’s Premier League, with Middlesbrough or Hull City joining the elite league. The losing side will regroup for the Championship campaign.