Ballinamallard United Overview

Everything you need to know about the race for promotion to the Premier League.

Southampton have lost their appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-off final following the recent spying scandal. An EFL arbitration panel upheld the initial decision to remove the club from the play-offs, meaning Middlesbrough will now replace them to face Hull City at Wembley this Saturday, with a lucrative spot in the Premier League at stake.

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has sensationally called for his club to be granted automatic promotion to the Premier League following the disqualification of Southampton from the Championship play-off final. The Tigers were originally scheduled to face the Saints at Wembley, but a spying scandal has thrown the post-season into unprecedented chaos, resulting in a showdown against Middlesbrough being scheduled.

Southampton have been dramatically expelled from the Championship play-off final following a major disciplinary investigation into illicit training ground espionage. The South Coast club have also been handed a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season, paving the way for Middlesbrough to face Hull City at Wembley for a lucrative spot in the Premier League.