Millwall & Wrexham plot legal action as Southampton face new Spygate issue | OneFootball

The fallout from Southampton's actions may not be ending just yet...

Southampton have been left stunned at their removal from the Championship play-off final, having been found guilty of spying on multiple clubs through the 2025-26 season.

The Saints - having overcome Middlesbrough over two legs in the semi-finals - were hot favourites to defeat Hull City at Wembley this coming Saturday, but there was always a cloud hanging over them due to the fact they had been charged with their spying offence on Boro prior to the first leg taking place at the Riverside Stadium.

And the independent commission dealing with the case handed out the heftiest possible blow to the south coast outfit to set an example - they were expelled from the play-offs immediately, pending the results of an appeal the following day due to Southampton triggering their right.

In-front of the League Arbitration Panel though on Wednesday evening, Southampton's case was heard, but it was swiftly thrown out, leaving them consigned to the Championship next season with a four-point deduction, as well as their play-off final spot remaining thrown out, with Hull now taking on Middlesbrough, despite the fact they were beaten over two legs by the Saints.

Two Championship clubs could take legal action over Southampton's 'Spygate' offences

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert is likely going to be in big trouble off the back of the club being found guilty of spying, not just on Boro, but also Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April - both of which were games that did not end up as victories.

It has brought into question how many times the club actually did spy on their opposition, and due to the fact Southampton have broke the EFL rules, a number of clubs are said to be weighing up legal action on them, in addition to their punishment for Spygate.

As per a report from Matt Hughes of The Guardian, both Millwall and Wrexham are 'considering' their options available to them after Southampton's guilt was found proven, and they believe they may have grounds for financial benefit.

Millwall of course finished third in the Championship table and were dumped out over two legs by Hull, but if Southampton had been expelled prior to the play-offs taking place, Hull would have been bumped up a spot in the table and would have taken on Middlesbrough instead, whereas the Lions would've taken on Wrexham.

It is stated that either club could 'seek to test whether the EFL rulebook has been correctly applied' over Southampton's punishment, and whether they should have started the play-off games in the process.

Both Wrexham and Millwall have declined to comment on the matter, but it remains to be seen as to whether either club will seek compensation from Southampton for their misdemeanours.

Southampton may end up feeling the effects of Spygate for a number of months

Whilst it is a shame for Southampton's fans that they have been booted out of the play-offs, there are consequences to the club's actions, and the panels involved have not taken a dim view of proceedings whatsoever.

With owner Dragan Solak purported to be furious surrounding the events of the spying actually taken place, there's likely going to be job losses on the horizon, with head coach Eckert and sporting director Johannes Spors under massive scrutiny, and it would be no surprise if the decks are cleared after this scandal.

There's more bumpy roads to come though if legal claims are made against the club, as it can be argued having admitted guilt on spying on a number of occasions prior to the play-offs, Southampton should have been deducted enough points to drop out of the play-offs entirely.

It's set to be an uncomfortable rollercoaster for Southampton going forward, and if Millwall and Wrexham press ahead with trying to recoup some finances, then a new battle will ensue.