Championship play-off final may be delayed by 'Spygate' surrounding Southampton as hearing date revealed
Updated 14/05/2026 at 16:49 GMT+1
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The Championship play-off final scheduled for May 23 could be delayed as the English Football League (EFL) investigates the 'Spygate' scandal surrounding Southampton.
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Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate after the two legs of their semi-final, securing a place in the final against Hull City, who overcame Millwall.Â
But Saints may not make it to the final - which is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at Wembley.Â
The scandal engulfing Saints began before the semi-finals, with Southampton accused of spying on Middlesborough’s training before the first leg.
It is alleged that a member of the Southampton backroom staff recorded their opponents' training session and took photos of their tactics.
As such, they have been charged by the English Football League - but the semi-finals did take place in the meantime, with Southampton securing their place in the final courtesy of a 2-1 victory in the second leg.
”The Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing will take place on or before Tuesday, 19 May,” the statement from the EFL read.
”The exact date remains under discussion and is expected to be confirmed shortly.
”The Commission will issue its decision as soon as possible following consideration of the relevant submissions and evidence.
”As the proceedings are being conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, the EFL does not control the proposed timetable.”
The situation leaves fans in limbo, with the finalists and the date of the final both up in the air, something the EFL acknowledges are ”exceptional circumstances.”
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The winners will be promoted to the Premier League along with Coventry City and Ipswich Town.
”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," the statement concluded.
The final could yet be rearranged, with an appeals process also in place dependent on the outcome of the enquiry.Â
Wembley was set to host three play-off finals across that weekend, with the League One and League Two finals also scheduled.
It remains to be seen what availability there would be should the Championship play-off final need to be rescheduled.
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