Luke Ayling to face Joe Gelhardt after Southampton expelled from play-offs | OneFootball

Luke Ayling will face former Leeds United team-mate Joe Gelhardt in Saturday’s Championship play-off final after Middlesbrough were reinstated into the final at Wembley following Southampton’s expulsion.

The EFL said in a statement that Southampton were expelled for unauthorised filming of rivals’ training and given a four-point deduction for 2026/27. Middlesbrough will now meet Hull City on Saturday 23 May, with kick-off to be confirmed.

Boro had lost their semi-final to Southampton 2-1 on aggregate, a tie overshadowed by spying allegations, and continued preparing while the investigation was carried out.

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has admitted spying on three clubs, with breaches relating to fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.

Southampton have appealed, with a separate hearing scheduled today due to the proximity of the final.

The Saints are the second Championship side punished over spying after Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa in 2018/19, when a staff member watched Derby County train from a public footpath. Leeds were fined £200,000, paid by Bielsa, and a specific rule was then introduced.

Ayling, part of that Leeds squad, is now preparing with Middlesbrough and will travel to London on Sunday seeking promotion. Hull finished sixth and beat third-place Millwall in their semi-final, with Leeds loanee Gelhardt scoring in the second leg at the Den for his 15th of the season.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk