Hull City want Premier League qualification without the Championship final. What is happening?

The Southampton case has sent shockwaves through English football following the club’s disqualification from the Championship play-off final. Middlesbrough FC are currently set to replace them, but it now appears the other finalist is exploring ways to avoid playing the match altogether.

Details: According to reports from Alex Crook, Hull City are consulting with legal advisers over whether there is any possibility of securing direct promotion to the Premier League without having to contest the final.

The club are unhappy with the prospect of facing Middlesbrough, having spent more than a week preparing specifically for a showdown against Southampton FC.

Hull are now awaiting the outcome of Southampton’s appeal. The squad were given Wednesday, May 20, off as they wait for clarity on who they will face in the Championship play-off final.

We recently reported that Southampton have officially lodged an appeal against the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision to disqualify them.

Reminder: Middlesbrough are currently due to replace Southampton in the Championship play-off final. The clash against Hull City is scheduled for Saturday, May 23.