Hull seal Premier League return amid ‘spygate’ fallout

Hull City completed a stunning rise by earning promotion to the Premier League with a dramatic 1–0 win over Middlesbrough in the Championship play‑off final at Wembley. Oli McBurnie struck in the final seconds, tapping in after Sol Brynn’s error to secure a £205 million windfall and spark emotional celebrations from manager Sergej Jakirovic and his players. The triumph capped a remarkable turnaround for Hull, who survived relegation last season only on goal difference and later endured a transfer embargo.

Their path to Wembley was further complicated by the ‘spygate’ scandal, which saw Southampton expelled for filming Middlesbrough’s training session. Hull were left preparing for a new opponent with only days to spare, prompting owner Acun Ilicali to warn of legal action had they lost. Instead, Jakirovic hailed an “unbelievable journey” as McBurnie, in his first season at the club, delivered the decisive moment. Middlesbrough’s reprieve ended in heartbreak, continuing their winless Wembley history.