Middlesbrough will face Hull in the Championship playoff final after Southampton's appeal against their expulsion was rejected. The English Football League (EFL) upheld the original sanction, which included a four-point deduction for next season. Southampton had admitted to spying on Middlesbrough and other opponents, including Oxford United and Ipswich Town. The south-coast club's CEO, Phil Parsons, argued that the sanction was disproportionate to the offence. Middlesbrough had demanded that Southampton be kicked out of the final to protect the integrity of the game. The playoff final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with a spot in the Premier League worth £200 million at stake. Middlesbrough had previously lost to Southampton in the semi-final, but will now have a chance to secure promotion. The club's fans will be hoping that they can overcome Hull and achieve their goal. The match is set to kick off at 3:30pm local time, and will be a tense and closely contested affair. Middlesbrough's manager will be looking to make the most of this opportunity, and will be preparing his team for the challenge ahead. The stakes are high, but Middlesbrough are ready to give it their all and secure a spot in the Premier League.