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Play-off final may be delayed by Spygate hearing
Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate in the Championship semi-finals. The English Football League is investigating Spygate, with a disciplinary hearing due by May 19, and the final on May 23 could be delayed as a result. The EFL has contingency plans and the clubs are preparing for all outcomes.
Why It Matters
The outcome could affect promotion to the Premier League and disrupt Wembley scheduling and fan planning.
Timeline
6 Events
Wembley schedule context for finals
May 14, 2026
The Championship final is the first of three play-off finals at Wembley, with League One and League Two finals scheduled to be held on the following days.
Hull City prepare despite uncertainty
May 14, 2026
Hull City's sporting director Jared Dublin said the club are continuing preparations as normal and expressed sympathy for fans over the uncertainty surrounding the final.
Contingency plans for potential rescheduling
May 14, 2026
The EFL says it has a number of contingency plans available if the final needs to be rescheduled following the hearing and any appeal process.
Play-off final may be delayed to May 23
May 14, 2026
The Championship play-off final, due to be held on May 23, may not go ahead because of the Spygate investigation, with the EFL noting the fixture could change depending on disciplinary proceedings.
Spygate disciplinary hearing scheduled
May 14, 2026
The EFL charged Southampton with breaching rules by observing a Middlesbrough training session before the semi-final first leg. An Independent Disciplinary Commission will hear the case on or before May 19, 2026.
Semi-final result: Southampton defeat Middlesbrough on aggregate
May 9, 2026
Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate in the Championship play-off semi-finals.