The Championship play-off final could be moved if Middlesbrough are reinstated by the EFL's disciplinary commission, with Tuesday, May 26 emerging as an increasingly probable alternative date. The independent commission will examine Southampton's charges for alleged spying on Boro's training session ahead of the first leg of the play-off semi-final over the coming days.
Despite Southampton progressing to win the two-legged tie, their place in the final remains in doubt as the EFL charge is yet to be heard. It is understood the hearing gets under way on Friday, with the EFL aiming to have the matter resolved by next Tuesday, as confirmed in their statement this week.
That same statement confirmed that while, for the time being, they were proceeding as though the final would be contested by Southampton and Hull City - permitting both clubs to begin selling tickets - the EFL 'has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required'.
Both Hull and Southampton began selling tickets for the final on Friday morning, though both clubs note on their ticket information pages that the fixture remains subject to change and EFL terms and conditions. Hull City's statement includes an asterisk after the date, which warns 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 is understood that, should Boro be reinstated by the independent disciplinary commission, the date of the final, currently scheduled for Saturday, May 23, may need to be revised. This is because, alongside allowing the clubs adequate preparation time, Boro would require time to sell tickets, while Southampton would be entitled to an appeal process.
Regarding the EFL's contingency arrangements, however, options remain limited. It is now highly unlikely that the match will be relocated away from Wembley Stadium. Beyond the EFL's existing partnership with Wembley, over 35,000 tickets have already been allocated to both clubs, and no suitable alternative venue exists that could accommodate such capacity alongside the corporate hospitality commitments the EFL will have in place.
The World Cup is also a determining factor when considering the date. The EFL cannot seek a date beyond the May 30 Challenge Cup final, as FIFA regulations stipulate that clubs must release players for the forthcoming summer international tournament by that point. The standard date 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."
That leaves a brief window in the week following the original date, during which the final can be rearranged. The remaining 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). With preparation time required to get the pitch and stadium branding ready for a Rugby League fixture, the EFL would need the Championship final played as early in the week as possible, with Tuesday the most sensible option given 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."
The EFL's statement on Thursday 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."
