Semi Ajayi’s Hull City get new play-off opponents following Southampton expulsion

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi, alongside the rest of his Hull City teammates will be playing against Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship play-off final on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 32-year-old was on the bench in the first leg of the semi-final against Milwall, which ended in a goalless draw. He started the second leg at the Den, and the Tigers sealed a 2-0 win to seal their position at Wembley, leaving their opponents to be decided in the other semi-final between Middlesbrough and Southampton.

Like Hull City, Middlesbrough played a goalless draw against Southampton in the first leg, before losing to to the Saints at St. Mary's Stadium.

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Hull City: Semi Ajayi's team to face Middlesbrough in play-off final

Despite Southampton's aggregate victory, the score has been cancelled by the EFL body. The Saints were reported to have sent a spy to Middlesbrough training ground ahead of their meeting with Boro.

As per Sky Sports, Tonda Eckert's side were initially reported to the EFL by Middlesbrough when they alleged a Southampton staff member had spied on a training session on May 7 ahead of their play-off semi-final.

Two days later, Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of cheating in the first leg that ended goalless. After Boro reported the issue, pictures surfaced five days later showing the Southampton analyst near Middlesbrough's training ground.

The EFL then announced that an independent hearing would follow suit while Middlesbrough pressed on in calling for Southampton's expulstion from the play-offs.

This evening, the independent committee reached a verdict, allowing Middlesbrough to go through to the final, while Southampton will continue in the EFL Championship next season. Additionally, the Saints have been docked four points, which will be deducted next season.

“Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025-26 season,” the EFL statement read.

“Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.

“Southampton admitted breaches of regulations requiring clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.

“The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.”

Semi Ajayi's Hull City will play against Middlesbrough at Wembley on Saturday, with £200m up for grabs, alongside a spot in the English Premier League. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM WAT.