Hull City clinches Premier League promotion in dramatic playoff final

Hull City secured the final promotion place to the English Premier League by defeating Middlesbrough 1‑0 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium. The decisive goal came in the 95th minute when Oliver McBurnie capitalised on a mistake by Middlesbrough goalkeeper Solomon Brynn.

The victory returns Hull City to the top flight after a nine‑year absence and delivers a lucrative TV‑rights package estimated at up to €250 million, making the match the most financially valuable club game in the world. The win also completes the promotion lineup alongside Coventry City and Ipswich Town, and follows a controversial exclusion of Southampton earlier in the playoff process.

Manager Sergej Jakirovic praised his side’s resilience, while club owner Acun Ilicali, who had threatened legal action over the earlier controversy, celebrated the achievement without further dispute.