Southampton players are said to be considering legal action against their employers if the EFL’s verdict banishing them from the Championship play-off final is upheld
Some Southampton players are said to be considering legal action amid the Spygate scandal (Image: PA Wire)
Southampton players are reportedly exploring legal options if they are granted an expulsion from the Championship play-offs. Saints were ruled out of the play-off final against Hull City on Saturday following a hearing by an independent committee.
Tonda Eckert’s side initially admitted to spying charges in connection with the first leg against Middlesbrough, but it was later revealed that they had carried out covert operations on two separate occasions, against Oxford United in December and against Ipswich in April. Southampton are expected to appeal the penalty, which means they will be deducted four points at the start of next season, but if it is upheld there could be a revolt among the players.
According to multiple media outlets, including The Athletic and talkSPORT, St Mary’s players are exploring legal options after learning about the EFL and being furious at the public being distanced from the incident.
The players are due to meet with the club on Wednesday, The Athletic added, adding that it has sought advice from the Professional Footballers’ Association. Meanwhile, talkSPORT reports that the possibility of missing out on promotion to the Premier League, and the financial rewards that come with it, is one of the reasons for the team’s anger.
Southampton have appealed, with BBC Sport’s Simon Stone suggesting their lawyers may have spent the night crafting their defense, and a hearing is expected to take place on Wednesday. Chief executive Phil Parsons is said to have expressed confidence in reversing the decision in a memo to club employees.
read more: Spygate Live: Details of explosive Southampton hearing leaked ahead of appeal decision todayread more: Southampton manager’s brazen defense receives long-term suspension from FA for spying charges
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The Saints remain silent about the sanctions in public. However, Middlesbrough had called for the toughest sporting sanction before the hearing and since Tuesday night’s announcement has released further documents welcoming the decision.
A statement read: “Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s disciplinary committee hearing.
“We believe this sends a clear message for the future of our game when it comes to 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.”
This follows the EFL’s initial statement, which said: “The Independent Disciplinary Committee has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs after finding that the club committed multiple breaches of EFL regulations relating to unauthorized filming of other clubs’ training.”
Southampton fans mocked Spygate saga during play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough (Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
Saints manager Tonda Eckert also claims she didn’t know spying on opponents was against the rules (Image: Getty Images)
“Southampton have admitted that they breached a regulation that requires clubs to act in the utmost good faith and prohibits them from observing another club’s training sessions within 72 hours of a scheduled match.
“The recognized breaches relate to games against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026. Southampton have the right to appeal the committee’s decision in accordance with EFL regulations and the parties are working to resolve the appeal on Wednesday 20 May.”
“Depending on the result, there may be further changes to Saturday’s match. 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.”
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