20.05.2026 16:51
Acun Ilıcalı argued that Hull City should be directly promoted to the Premier League after Southampton was disqualified due to espionage. Ilıcalı stated that lawyers are involved to appeal the decision.
Acun Ilıcalı, the owner of Hull City, harshly reacted to the decision made following the espionage scandal in the Championship. Ilıcalı argued that if Southampton were disqualified, Hull City should be directly promoted to the Premier League.
ESPIONAGE SCANDAL LEADS TO TURMOIL
A historic decision was made regarding Southampton, which was found to have secretly spied on the training of their opponent Middlesbrough during the Championship play-off semi-final. The English team was disqualified from the play-off after the investigation.
NEW OPPONENT IS MIDDLESBROUGH
Following the decision, it was announced that Hull City's opponent in the final would be Middlesbrough. However, this development caused great discomfort for Acun Ilıcalı.
"WE SHOULD BE DIRECTLY PROMOTED TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE"
Speaking to NOW Sport, Acun Ilıcalı stated that they would appeal the decision. Ilıcalı said, "If Southampton had been considered forfeited, we would have no objection, but they were ultimately disqualified. Under normal circumstances, if the finalist is disqualified, we should be directly promoted to the Premier League."
LAWYERS INVOLVED
Acun Ilıcalı said that his legal team is working on the matter. It was reported that the legal dimension of the decision, which caused a major uproar in English football, is being examined.
"WE WERE PREPARING FOR SOUTHAMPTON FOR 10 DAYS"
The Hull City chairman also emphasized that the last-minute change of opponent created a major disadvantage. Ilıcalı said, "We were preparing for Southampton for 10 days. All analysis and planning were focused on them. Now, with 3 days until the final, the opponent has changed."
HISTORIC MATCH ON SATURDAY
The Hull City vs. Middlesbrough final, which will determine the last team to be promoted to the Premier League, will be played on Saturday, May 23. The match will start at 18:30 and be broadcast live on TV8.
300 MILLION EURO GIANT PRIZE
The team winning the play-off final will be promoted to the Premier League, earning a massive revenue of approximately 300 million euros. For this reason, the match is considered one of the most critical games in English football.