Southampton expelled from Play-Off final over Spygate scandal | OneFootball

Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship Play-Off final after they were caught spying on Middlesbrough ahead of their semi-final clash. 

Boro will take their place in the final against Hull City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 23rd May, following the sensational verdict.

Saints will also receive a four-point deduction for next season, though they do have the right to appeal the decision of the Independent Disciplinary Commission.

Southampton were charged by the EFL after a member of the first team’s backroom staff was allegedly caught filming a Middlesbrough training session earlier this month. The club were charged with further breaches of EFL regulations after they admitted to spying on other rival teams.

The south coast outfit admitted they also spied on Oxford Town in December last year and Ipswich Town in April.

Southampton expelled from Play-Off final over Spygate scandal

The EFL announced the verdict in a statement released on Tuesday evening, just four days out from the Play-Off final.

The statement read: “An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.

“In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges.

“The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.

“Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season. Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.

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“Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.

“Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.

“The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course.

“The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.”

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