Championship play-off final could be delayed while ‘Spygate’ scandal is investigated

Next week’s Championship play-off final could be delayed as the English Football League (EFL) investigates alleged spying by finalists Southampton FC.

The south-coast club were charged by the EFL last week with spying on a training session held by Middlesbrough FC, who they beat 2-1 in extra time on Tuesday.

They are set to face Hull City AFC on 23 May, but the EFL issued a statement on Thursday to say the hearing would take place "on or before Tuesday, 19 May", throwing the scheduling of the showdown into doubt.

It also possible Southampton FC could be thrown out of the contest, with the investigation since dubbed 'Spygate'.

Given the stakes of the final, with the winner securing promotion to the Premier League, it is not clear if an appeal could be heard before the game if the initial hearing does not happen until Tuesday.

The EFL said it "continues to plan on the basis that the Championship play-off final will take place as scheduled", confirming the clash was due to kick off at 4.30pm.

But it added that the exact date for the hearing "remains under discussion" and is expected to be confirmed shortly.

It also pointed out that it did not have control of the timetable because of the independent nature of the hearing.

While it continues to plan for the 23 May final, it admitted: "Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture."

It added it has "a number of contingency plans should they be required", and that the finalists will share further information on their sales processes later on Thursday.

However, moving the game the following weekend would not be viable given the stadium, in north London, will host rugby league's men's and women's Challenge Cup finals on 30 May and the Women's FA Cup final the following day.

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Then from the following weekend, the stadium will be used for non-football events, including Harry Styles' 12 shows between 12 June and 4 July.

Hull sporting director, Jared Dublin, maintains the club will continue their own preparations for Wembley as everyone awaits the outcome of the EFL hearing.

The club's owner Acun Ilicali added he would have been "furious" if such alleged spying had been conducted against his team.

(c) Sky News 2026: Championship play-off final could be delayed while ‘Spygate’ scandal is investigated