The EFL has announced that Southampton will not be playing in the Championship play-off final, but will be replaced by Middlesbrough, who had been monitoring ahead of the semi-final match.
Southampton appealed the decision (Image: David Horton/Getty Images)
Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship play-off final against Spygate, the EFL has announced. The Saints were also given a four-point deduction for next season as part of the unprecedented punishment.
Middlesbrough, who won in two legs despite Southampton’s controversial semi-final win, will face Hull City in Saturday’s headline game at Wembley. Kickoff was originally scheduled for 4:30 p.m., but has now been marked as “TBC”.
Southampton appealed the bombshell verdict despite admitting multiple acts of spying, including in two previous Championship games. The scandal was sparked by a Southampton analyst accused of spying on one of Middlesbrough’s training sessions in the North East ahead of their semi-final first leg, which ended 1-1.
Tonda Eckert won the second leg 1-0 in extra time, but was denied a chance to earn promotion to the Premier League. The EFL confirmed: “The Independent Disciplinary Panel has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs after Southampton admitted multiple breaches of EFL regulations relating to unauthorized filming of other clubs’ training.”
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read more: Spygate Live: Middlesbrough return, Southampton kicked out of play-offsread more: Southampton admit to spying on three teams in appeal decision after being kicked out of play-offs
“Furthermore, the club has received disciplinary action in relation to all charges, as well as a four-point deduction which will be applied to the Championship table for the 2026/27 season.
“Today’s orders will see Middlesbrough return to the play-offs in 2026 and advance to the play-off final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with a kick-off time to be determined.”
“Southampton were first charged on Friday 8 May and further charges were laid on Sunday 17 May in relation to further offenses during the 2025/26 season. These further charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings relating to Middlesbrough were commenced.”
“Southampton admitted a breach of a regulation which requires clubs to act with the utmost integrity and prohibits them from observing another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The admitted breaches relate to games against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.”
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Southampton beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate but will not travel to Wembley on Saturday (Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
“Southampton have the right to appeal the committee’s decision in accordance with EFL regulations and both parties are working to resolve the appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Depending on the outcome, further changes to Saturday’s game could be made.”
“The EFL is currently consulting with all three clubs on the impact of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course. The committee’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.”
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert may also be affected. The German guided Southampton to fourth place in the Championship standings, beating Middlesbrough by one point to take home advantage in the second leg, but in the end it meant nothing.
Tonda Eckert could also be punished (Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Following the news, Boro said: “Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s disciplinary committee hearing. We believe it sends a clear message for the future of our game in terms of sporting integrity and conduct.”
“As a club, we are currently focused on Saturday’s match against Hull City at Wembley. Ticket information for supporters will be published shortly.”
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