Keith Hackett predicts Hull City will fail in promotion bid while Southampton ‘Spygate’ saga continues

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has insisted that Hull City will not be granted automatic promotion to the Premier League via off-field means and believes their attempt to secure a place in the top flight without playing the Championship play-off final is likely to fail.

The situation has emerged after Southampton were removed from the play-offs following an independent commission ruling that found the club guilty of breaching EFL regulations by spying on Championship rivals, including semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, ahead of their first-leg clash. The ruling reshaped the play-off picture, with Hull now due to face Middlesbrough at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.

Southampton have since lodged an appeal against the decision, while reports suggest Hull have explored legal options in an attempt to argue they should be promoted without taking part in the final. Club owner Acun Ilicali has publicly stated that Hull’s legal representatives believe there may be grounds for immediate promotion, though he admitted the situation remains uncertain.

However, Hackett has dismissed the likelihood of such an outcome, arguing that the EFL would be unwilling to overturn its logistical and financial preparations for the Wembley fixture. He noted that significant planning, including stadium arrangements and broadcast commitments, would already be in place, making any change to the schedule highly improbable. As a result, he believes the governing body will proceed with the final as planned.

Speaking on the matter, Hackett was clear in his assessment, stating that Hull’s bid to bypass the play-off final will not succeed.

Meanwhile, statistical analysis from Opta still favours Middlesbrough to secure promotion through the play-offs, despite Hull finishing seven points behind them in the league standings. Hull did, however, claim a 1-0 victory in their most recent meeting at the end of December.