Play-off final tickets available as Spygate hearing looms for Saints in 2026

Championship play-off final tickets go on sale amid uncertainty over Hull City vs Southampton due to Spygate allegations.

Final tickets now available Championship play-off final tickets have been released for sale even as the match between Hull City and Southampton faces potential disruption. The English Football League has not guaranteed the final will proceed as scheduled on 23 May at Wembley. Both teams have received 35,984 ticket allocations for the 16:30 BST kick-off. The outcome depends on an upcoming disciplinary hearing regarding the Spygate scandal. ## Spygate hearing details Southampton faces a hearing before an Independent Disciplinary Committee for observing Middlesbrough’s training session within 72 hours of their semi-final first leg. The hearing is set for no later than 19 May. The English Football League has warned the final could be delayed based on the hearing’s outcome or any appeals from either club. The rule under scrutiny was only recently added to EFL regulations, leaving no clear penalty framework. ## Play-off progression Hull City secured their spot in the final with a 2-0 away win over Millwall on Monday. Southampton advanced by beating Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time, with Shea Charles scoring the decisive goal. The allegations emerged after a Southampton staff member reportedly breached EFL rules by observing a Middlesbrough training session last Thursday. Potential sanctions range from fines and points deductions to elimination from the play-offs. ## Hull supporters voice frustration Hull City fans expressed anger over the uncertainty surrounding the final’s staging, complicating travel and accommodation plans. Bobbi Huyton, a journalist and Hull supporter, criticized the handling of the situation, stating, "We’re basically being told, buy a ticket and you’re taking a gamble." The Hull City Official Supporters’ Club released a statement calling the situation unfair, arguing they are penalized due to the EFL’s failure to publish sanctions for such breaches. They warned that a rescheduled match would financially burden supporters unable to attend the rearranged date. ## Ticket and logistics information Both Hull City and Southampton have been allocated 35,984 tickets for the Wembley final, currently set for 23 May at 16:30 BST. Travel and accommodation arrangements for Hull fans are complicated by the uncertainty over the match’s date. The supporters’ club highlighted that many fans may lose money if the final is postponed. The EFL’s lack of clarity on penalties has further fueled the frustration among Hull supporters.