Ayling to face Gelhardt as Middlesbrough reinstated after Southampton expelled over spying | OneFootball

Luke Ayling is set to face Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt at Wembley after Middlesbrough were reinstated to the Championship play-off final when Southampton were expelled for spying.

The EFL said in a statement that Southampton had been removed from the play-offs for unauthorised filming of rival training sessions, with a four-point deduction to be applied to the 2026/27 Championship. Middlesbrough will now meet Hull City in Saturday’s final on 23 May, with kick-off to be confirmed.

Boro had lost their semi-final to Southampton 2-1 on aggregate amid an investigation, and continued preparing for a potential final. Saints manager Tonda Eckert has admitted spying on three clubs, including before the tie against Middlesbrough.

Southampton have appealed and an expedited hearing is due today, given the final is on Saturday. The case echoes Leeds United’s 2018/19 saga under Marcelo Bielsa, when a staff member watched Derby County train from a public footpath. Leeds were fined £200,000, which Bielsa paid himself, and anti-spying rules were introduced afterwards.

Ayling was part of that Leeds squad and is now within reach of the Premier League with Boro after returning to training this week. Hull, featuring out-on-loan Gelhardt, finished sixth then beat third-placed Millwall in their semi-final. Gelhardt scored in the second leg at the Den, his 15th goal of a standout campaign.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk