Southampton booted out of Championship playoffs over Spygate scandal
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesSouthampton have been expelled from the EFL Championship play-offs after admitting multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs' training sessions, with Middlesbrough reinstated to face Hull City in the Wembley final on Saturday 23 MaySouthampton has been removed from the Championship playoffs(Image: Matt Watson, Southampton FC via Getty Images)Southampton have been EXPELLED from the Championship play-off final over Spygate, the EFL has confirmed. The Saints have also been handed a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season as part of their unprecedented punishment.Middlesbrough, whom Southampton controversially defeated across two legs in the semi-finals, will now face Hull City in Saturday's showpiece at Wembley for a spot in the Premier League next season.
Southampton have lodged an appeal against the bombshell ruling, despite acknowledging multiple breaches relating to two other Championship fixtures.The EFL confirmed: "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. 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.