Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs for spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, who will now battle Hull for a spot in the Premier League.
A member of Southampton’s staff was spotted filming one of Middlesbrough’s training sessions in the run-up to the play-off semi-final between the two clubs, which Southampton ultimately won.
Shortly before it, the Football League (EFL) had already begun an investigation into the allegations and charged Southampton with spying, and they announced afterwards that there was a chance that the final wouldn’t go ahead as scheduled while they continued to look into matters, while Middlesbrough formally called for Southampton’s expulsion.
In a hearing on Tuesday, they got their request granted, with the EFL expelling Southampton and handing them a four-point deduction for next season.
“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,” a statement from the league’s governing body read.
“In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table.”
“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.”
