Southampton expelled from Championship play-offs after severe spygate verdict | OneFootball

According to Sainstmarching.com, Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs after admitting three counts of spying on rivals, and handed a four-point deduction for next season.

The cases cover watching Oxford United and Ipswich Town, and filming a Middlesbrough training session. The club was first charged on Friday eighth May, then again on Sunday 17 May for further 2025-26 breaches identified after the Middlesbrough case. Southampton accepted breaches of utmost good faith and the 72-hour training observation ban, relating to Oxford in December 2025, Ipswich in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.

Middlesbrough will be reinstated for Saturday’s final, with the winners due at least £110 million in Premier League revenue. Southampton retain the right to appeal, with any appeal intended to be resolved on Wednesday, 20 May.

The league is discussing implications with the three clubs and will provide an update. Southampton had sold tickets for Saturday, and supporters will receive full refunds. Depending on the outcome, Saturday’s fixture could change.

Middlesbrough welcomed the outcome and are focused on Hull City at Wembley on Saturday, with ticket information to follow. The league cannot sanction individuals involved in the spying, although the Football Association could bring charges. The potential monetary value of the sanction eclipses any seen before in English football.

Source: Sainstmarching.com