Southampton appeal dismissed as EFL confirms Middlesbrough v Hull play-off final | OneFootball

Middlesbrough will play Hull in Saturday’s Championship play-off final after Southampton lost their appeal against their expulsion for ‘spygate’.

An independent commission imposed the penalty on Tuesday – and docked the Hampshire club four points for next season – after Saints admitted three spying charges, including observing a Boro session ahead of the semi-final first leg.

The commission also reinstated Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 after extra-time at St Mary’s having drawn 0-0 at the Riverside Stadium, denying Southampton the chance of a shot at promotion to the Premier League worth an estimated £200million at a minimum.

Saints chief executive Phil Parsons called it “manifestly disproportionate” to any other sanction handed down in the history of the English game on Wednesday, but their appeal was rejected later that day.

An EFL statement read: “A league arbitration panel has tonight dismissed Southampton Football Club’s appeal against the independent disciplinary commission’s sanction following the admittance of multiple breaches of EFL regulations.

“The determination means that the original sanction of expulsion from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs remains in place, as does the four-point deduction to be applied to the 2026-27 Championship table and the reprimand in respect of all charges.

“The club submitted its appeal following yesterday’s decision of the independent disciplinary commission in respect of breaches of EFL regulations. As per EFL regulations, the decision of the league arbitration panel is final and cannot be appealed.

“Following the conclusion of the proceedings, the Sky Bet Championship play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough is confirmed as taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23 May, kicking off at 3.30pm.

“The league arbitration panel’s written reasons will be published in due course along with the independent disciplinary commission’s full decision.”

The EFL statement confirming the decision had been upheld came just 66 hours before kick-off at Wembley – a development Southampton called “extremely disappointing” for all connected to the club.

“We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this,” the Saints said.

“While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours.”

Saints reiterated thanks to their fans and vowed to share information in relation to ticket refunds as soon as possible. More than 37,000 tickets had been sold.

This is arguably the darkest moment in the club’s history and leaves huge questions, from the future of head coach Tonda Eckert and other staff to the understandably disillusioned players and other stakeholders.

The club continued: “Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately.

“The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.

“While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”

Southampton admitted to spying on a training session at Oxford in December and one at Ipswich in April, in addition to the Middlesbrough session.

All three incidents occurred following the appointment of Eckert as head coach in early December. The 33-year-old may now face action from the Football Association, according to reports.

Middlesbrough had called for Southampton to be thrown out of the play-offs prior to Tuesday’s commission hearing and welcomed the news they had been expelled.

The club said the sanction “sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct”.

Southampton reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, narrowly losing to Manchester City, and finished fourth in the Championship having gone unbeaten in the league since January.