Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic said his side have been collateral damage in the drama surrounding Southampton’s expulsion from the Championship play‑offs for spying. The Tigers were set to face the Saints for a Premier League spot before the club was thrown out after admitting they spied on three clubs, including play‑off semi‑final opponents Middlesbrough.

Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside that everything has been unfair in the last two weeks and that Hull must now face Middlesbrough instead of Southampton. He said the club would not change tactics and would try to beat the Boro side on the pitch, noting that the situation has left Hull in a strange waiting position.

The Football Association has begun an investigation into Southampton’s conduct and has deducted the club four points for the start of the 2026‑27 campaign. Jakirovic said the decision does not matter to him and that Hull’s preparation for a different opponent will not be awkward because both sides know each other well. He added that the match will be demanding but Hull is in good shape.

Hull’s victory over Millwall in the other semi‑final set the stage for a Premier League chase after nine years outside the top flight. With the unexpected opponent change, the team must focus on a single game that could decide their season’s direction. The appointment of a new manager and the loss of a play‑off opponent could threaten the club’s ambitions.