Championship play-off final: Southampton appeal after being kicked out and replaced by Middlesbrough
Major news in the ‘Spygate’ drama involving Southampton and Middlesbrough
Southampton have launched an appeal after being thrown out of the Championship play-off final and replaced by Middlesbrough.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Saints admitted to ‘multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs' training’. As a result, the independent disciplinary commission kicked Southampton out of the play-offs and handed them a four point deduction for next season.
Southampton admitted to watching Oxford United and Ipswich Town training sessions, as well as filming Middlesbrough before the play-offs. After drawing 0-0 at the Riverside in their first leg, Saints beat Boro 2-1 at St Mary’s to book their place at Wembley. But, Kim Hellberg’s side are now set to meet Hull City in Saturday’s final.
It’s reported that Southampton will appeal the decision on Wednesday, with a further change to the play-off final not ruled out by the EFL. A new Independent League Arbitration panel will hear the appeal. Coincidentally, Saints won none of the three games they admitted spying for: Oxford in December, Ipswich in April and Boro this month.
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EFL’s statement in full
‘An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the Club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.
‘In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges. The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City.
‘The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed. Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season.
‘Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated. Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.
‘The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026. Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May.
‘Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture. The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course. The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.’