Acun Ilicali (foto: Getty Images)
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali criticized the playoff situation after Southampton’s removal forced a late change ahead of the Championship final.
The drama surrounding English football’s so-called “€100 million match” has taken another twist.
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali is openly questioning the situation after Southampton were removed from the Championship play-off final following the spying controversy surrounding their semi-final victory over Middlesbrough.
Southampton had originally progressed after defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-finals.
But after disciplinary proceedings linked to the filming of Middlesbrough’s training session before the decisive match, the club was excluded from the final.
As a result, Middlesbrough were handed a second chance and will now face Hull for promotion to the Premier League.
Hull are not happy with how events unfolded.
Ilicali believes the circumstances raise legitimate sporting questions and confirmed the club is reviewing the situation with legal advisers.
"Two teams qualified for the final and one was eliminated. Our lawyers believe there are arguments that we should have qualified directly for the Premier League. The situation is still being analysed. It is complex, and we cannot say anything definitive yet."
The Turkish businessman also pointed to the practical problems created by the late change.
Hull had already spent almost two weeks preparing specifically for Southampton.
"We prepared for Southampton for ten days. Our planning, analysis, and work focused on that opponent. Now, only a few days before the final, we face a different team."
"Tomorrow the players rest, and Thursday is our final major training session. We now have only one session to prepare for another opponent."
The Championship play-off final remains scheduled for Saturday.
At this stage, there is no indication that the EFL intends to postpone or alter the fixture despite the controversy.
For Hull, the preparation has suddenly become more complicated. For English football, the debate over fairness and sporting integrity is far from over.