Middlesbrough finished on the losing side in Saturday’s EFL Championship play-off final against Hull City, but defeat at Wembley may not be the end of the story
Oli McBurney was Hull’s hero at Wembley (Image: Getty Images)
EFL chairman Rick Parry urged Championship sides to “move on” from the Spygate scandal after the play-off final. Hull City and Middlesbrough clashed at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was ultimately the Tigers who succeeded, with Oli McBurnie’s stoppage-time goal sealing victory and qualifying for the Premier League. Middlesbrough returned to the play-offs after Southampton were found guilty of spying against the North East club before the play-off semi-finals.
They also admitted spying on Oxford United and Ipswich Town during the regular campaign period. Saints were expelled from the competition and had four points deducted from the 2026/27 season. EFL chairman Rick Parry admitted he hoped the result would put an end to the saga.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I hope so, of course. We have to move on and the season has to end. The players leave for the World Cup on Monday.”
“We all need clarity right now, we all need certainty and we need habits in football. As all precedent shows, no matter how frustrating it can be at times, we tend to think positively about punishment.
read more: What six top pundits had to say about Spygate after Southampton lost in the play-off finalread more: Bolton Wanderers manager Stephen Schumacher talks about another promotion and the battle for Everton’s ‘dream’
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“If we had to figure out all the previous season’s standings, we would never finish the tournament. So this is always our guiding principle. Punishment comes forward, not backward.”
His comments came after Hull owner Akun Ilikari announced he would take legal action if they lost at Wembley.
In an interview with BBC Radio Humberside, he said: “Our lawyers say we have to take action, that’s for sure, so we have no doubts about that. All we want here is justice. If justice is broken then no one will be able to enjoy football.”
Hull owner Akun Ilkali has said his team could take legal action if they lose in the play-off final (Image: Getty Images)
He added: “If this behavior was so big that it would knock the team out of the play-offs, why didn’t they just play the semi-final, investigate and eliminate Southampton and keep Wrexham out?”
“Why are Wrexham withdrawing now? I want Wrexham to be included and the competition to continue. For me, bringing the eliminated team back, as my lawyers have said, and it’s their opinion, is an incredibly wrong decision.”
The story may not end with Haru’s victory. The FA has launched an investigation and Southampton manager Tonda Eckert could be suspended.
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Hull City return to Premier League
To commemorate Hull, the Daily Mail has produced a wonderful souvenir special edition. This is a must-read chronicle of how Sergei Yakirović’s incredible Tigers won promotion from the Championship, reliving the entire season, the drama of the play-offs and the victory at Wembley. Filled with reactions, analysis, reports, and great photos. Click here to purchase.
