FA open investigation into Southampton's <i>spygate</i> scandal | OneFootball

The Football Association have opened an investigation into the spygate scandal that saw Southampton kicked out off the Championship play-offs.

The Saints were caught spying on Middlesbrough's training before their semi-final first leg at the Riverside, which leg to an investigation by the English Football League. 

After admitting to two further instances of spying on teams, the EFL elected to kick Southampton out of the play-offs and given a four-point penalty next season, with the club's appeal turned down on Wednesday to set up a play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Now the FA have gotten involved which could mean bans being given out, with Southampton manager Tonda Eckert the most likely to be punished.

"We will now investigate and won’t comment further until we have assessed the evidence," a spokesperson for the FA said in a short statement.