Hull City fan Jack Gorbert flew from Australia to attend the Championship playoff final at Wembley on 23 May 2026, spending around £2,000 including £1,300 on flights and £700 on hotels and travel [1, 2]. Gorbert has followed Hull to previous playoff final wins in 2008 and 2016 and said attending the final in person is a unique experience fans cherish. "If we were going to go up on a technicality I wouldn’t say no to the Premier League but everyone wants that big day in the big smoke at Wembley. The feelgood factor is real," he said [2].
The final between Hull City and Southampton remains uncertain due to charges against Southampton for spying on a Middlesbrough training session before their semi-final [1, 2]. The English Football League (EFL) announced an independent commission would hold a hearing by 26 May to consider the charges, leaving open the possibility of appeals and fixture changes that could disrupt the scheduled 23 May final [1, 2].
Gorbert expressed anger at how the EFL handled the situation, saying the organization shows "no regard for the fans at all." He noted many fans from as far as Sydney and Peru booked expensive travel, unaware the match might be affected [1]. He added, "It’s not just that, it’s fans in Hull booking trains and hotels and disgraceful prices" [1]. He also blamed the EFL for trying to avoid imposing a punishment, stating, "I think they were trying to hide behind the fact that Middlesbrough could win and it would go away. But if you bring in a rule then you have to have a punishment" [2].
Despite the costs and frustration, Gorbert remained determined to attend. He said, "As soon as the final whistle went at Millwall I was looking for flights and I booked straight away. With the situation in the Middle East things are pretty volatile, but there’s no way I was going to miss out. I’d probably sell a kidney if I had to" [1].
The EFL's independent commission hearing is set for 26 May 2026. Its decision could affect whether the playoff final proceeds as scheduled or requires changes.
