19.05.2026 21:00
Southampton banned from playoff final due to 'spying' scandal. Hull City, owned by Acun Ilıcalı, will face Middlesbrough in the final.
In the Championship play-off semi-final second leg, Southampton defeated their opponent Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time, becoming the rival of Hull City, owned by Acun Ilıcalı, in the final.
PENALTY AFTER SPYING SCANDAL
The spying scandal that occurred before the match left its mark on the game. Following this scandal, a historic penalty was imposed on Southampton.
SOUTHAMPTON DISQUALIFIED
As a result of a secret investigation conducted by the English Football Association (FA) and the EFL, it was confirmed that Southampton had illegally monitored their opponents' tactical training sessions using spying methods. On the grounds that "the principles of honesty and sportsmanship in football were severely undermined," Southampton was disqualified from the Championship play-off final.
NEW OPPONENT IN THE FINAL: MIDDLESBROUGH
In line with this decision, Hull City, owned by Acun Ilıcalı, will face Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final.