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The Championship play-off final could be rearranged to a new date if Southampton are replaced by Middlesbrough because of the EFL's disciplinary commission, with Tuesday, May 26 an increasingly probable alternative date. The independent commission will examine the case concerning Southampton's charges for alleged spying on Boro's training session before the first leg of the play-off semi-final over the coming days.

Though Southampton went on to win the two-legged tie, their place in the final remains uncertain because the EFL charge has yet to be heard. Express Sport understands the hearing begins today (Friday), with the EFL hoping to have everything resolved by next Tuesday, as confirmed in their statement this week.

The same statement confirmed that while, for now they were proceeding on the basis that the final would be contested by Southampton and Hull City - allowing both teams to begin selling tickets - the EFL 'has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required'.

Both Hull and Southampton began selling tickets for the final on Friday morning, but both clubs note on their ticket information page that the fixture is subject to change and EFL terms and conditions. Hull City's statement includes an asterisk after the date, which warns later: "As per the EFL's most recent communication, supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton may yet result in changes to the fixture."

It is understood that, should Boro be reinstated by the independent disciplinary commission, the date of the final, currently scheduled for Saturday, May 23 (4.30pm KO), may need to be revised. This is because, alongside allowing the clubs adequate preparation time, Boro would require a window to sell tickets, while Southampton would be entitled to an appeal process.

Regarding the EFL's contingency arrangements, however, options are severely restricted. It is now highly improbable that the match is relocated from Wembley Stadium. Beyond the EFL's existing partnership with Wembley, over 35,000 tickets have already been allocated to both clubs, and no suitable alternative venue exists that could accommodate such capacity alongside the corporate hospitality commitments the EFL will have in place.

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The World Cup also plays a role in determining the date. The EFL cannot seek a date beyond the May 30 Challenge Cup final, as FIFA regulations stipulate that clubs must release players for the forthcoming summer international tournament by that deadline. The standard date for releasing players for the World Cup is May 25, but FIFA's regulations state: "Exceptions to the mandatory player release will apply to any players involved in the final matches of their confederation club tournaments and the final matchday of the group stages of these competitions, up to and including 30 May 2026, and subject to FIFA approval."

This leaves a brief window in the week following the original date, during which the final can be rearranged. The remaining EFL play-off finals are being held at Wembley on Sunday and Monday, while the Rugby League Challenge Cup final is pencilled in for the following Saturday (May 30).

Given the time required to prepare the pitch and stadium branding for a Rugby League fixture, the EFL would need the Championship final staged as early in the week as possible, with Tuesday the most sensible option considering everything will already be in place from the preceding two days' matches.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty, Hull City's Official Supporters Club has rounded on the EFL over the saga and its unfair impact on them. They said: "The Hull City Official Supporters Club are currently liaising with other supporters groups to register our concern over the possible moving of the play-off final with the EFL.

"This is a situation in which we have had no influence but in which we are, both as a football club and supporters, being penalised. Any decision to move the date of the final will result in many of our supporters not only losing out financially but then facing the prospect of being unable to attend the re-arranged fixture.

"Given that this is a situation which has largely resulted from the EFL's own error in failing to publish the sanctions for a breach of the rule regarding "spying" on opposition teams we feel this is manifestly unfair."

In its statement on Thursday, the EFL said: "The League recognises that this complex situation has caused concern and disruption for supporters, particularly those making travel arrangements, and will continue to provide as much clarity as possible.

"However, in these clearly exceptional circumstances, the League considers this to be the most appropriate course of action."