Hull City, Acun Ilicali, Southampton, Middlesbrough
20 May 2026
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali called for his club to be promoted directly after Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs. He argued Hull should not have to face Middlesbrough at short notice in a reshaped final.
Southampton’s expulsion placed Middlesbrough into the Wembley final despite their semi-final defeat on aggregate. Ilicali said Hull had prepared for different opponents and suggested the disruption created an unfair situation before the promotion decider.