Southampton, Middlesbrough, Hull City learn fresh 'spygate' outcome twist | OneFootball

Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Hull City may have to wait until Wednesday for the outcome of the 'spygate' hearing

Southampton and Middlesbrough are still awaiting the outcome of the hearing into the allegations that a member of Saints staff spied on a Boro training session two days before the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

Tonda Eckert's men were held to a 0-0 draw by Kim Helberg's side in the first leg, but emerged as 2-1 winners in the second leg, thanks to goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles.

However, if the St Mary's Stadium outfit are found guilty of spying on a Boro training session, they could be kicked out of the play-offs, while other potential punishments include a fine, a points deduction, or a transfer embargo, as per the EFL handbook.

Meanwhile, in the other Championship play-off semi-final, Hull City advanced past Millwall with a 2-0 victory in the second leg, but are still waiting to learn who their Wembley opponent will be.

Southampton, Middlesbrough, Hull City may have to wait longer for 'spygate' hearing outcome

The independent disciplinary commission's hearing into the spying allegations against Southampton is expected to conclude on Tuesday,

four days before the play-off final.

However, according to BBC Sport, the case could drag on into Wednesday, depending on how much time is required for deliberations.

The report adds that if the Saints are kicked out of the play-offs, the game is likely to be moved because it would be unfair on Hull to see their opponents changed just 72 hours before kick-off.

Furthermore, Middlesbrough would need to have time to sell their ticket allocation, and Southampton would likely appeal against any decision to remove their place in the final.

The EFL are expected to ask for a resolution to a potential appeal by Friday, as per the aforementioned BBC Sport report.

If the play-off final is moved, it may have to be played in midweek because Wembley is booked for the weekend of May 30 and May 31, while a different venue could be used to ensure that the fixture is on a weekend.

Hull haven't reached the Premier League since suffering relegation from the top flight, while Southampton are seeking promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.

Middlesbrough were relegated from the top tier alongside the Tigers in 2017, and will be equally eager to win promotion if they are handed the opportunity to compete in the play-off final.

Southampton, Hull, and Boro need swift solution to spying controversy

The Championship play-offs are one of the most hotly anticipated parts of any EFL season, but the 2025/26 edition will be remembered by many for all the wrong reasons, courtesy of the spying allegations Southampton are facing.

Meanwhile, both the Saints and Middlesbrough need to be given the outcome of the hearing as soon as possible, so they can plan their next steps accordingly.

In particular, Hull deserve a swift outcome, because they had no involvement in the spying controversy, yet they could see their play-off final rearranged or their opponent changed at late notice.

The Tigers did remarkably well to beat Millwall, who narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, in their semi-final, and the current controversy surrounding the final is not their just reward.