Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs due to the ‘spygate’ scandal.
Middlesbrough have been reinstated following a bombshell verdict by an independent commission, which heard the EFL case on Tuesday, and will now face Hull City in the play-off final on Saturday 23 May.
In addition, Southampton have been deducted four points for next season. They have lodged an appeal, which will be heard on Wednesday, and the EFL has acknowledged this could result in a further change to Saturday’s match.
According to the EFL, Southampton admitted “multiple breaches” relating to unauthorized filming of their opponents’ training sessions ahead of matches against Oxford and Ipswich, as well as the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.
“Southampton was first charged on Friday, May 8, and further charges were issued on Sunday, May 17 in relation to additional violations during the 2025-26 season.
“Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were commenced.
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Sky Sports’ Keith Downie explains how the alleged Southampton staff member was caught trying to watch a Middlesbrough training session.
“Southampton admitted breaches of regulations which require clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibit observing another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.
“The admitted infringements relate to matches against Oxford United in December 2025 (2-1 loss), Ipswich Town in April 2026 (2-2 draw) and Middlesbrough in May 2026 (0-0 in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals).”
Middlesbrough initially reported Southampton to the EFL when they alleged that a member of Southampton staff had spied on a training session on 7 May ahead of their play-off semi-final, in breach of league rules, and the EFL charged them the following day.
Southampton fans who have purchased tickets for the play-off final can get a full refund.
Southampton feel they have “great potential” for appeal
Sky Sports News understands that Southampton has already lodged its appeal against the commission’s findings and will oppose the decision. The EFL has acknowledged that the outcome of the appeal “could lead to a further change to Saturday’s match”.
Sky Sports News Journalist Mark McAdam said the Saints are “shocked and flabbergasted” by the verdict, adding that they believe the penalty is “disproportionate.”
He said: “Southampton feel they still have a good chance of playing Hull on Saturday after an appeal.
“No one expected these to be the sanctions. This is the largest possible punishment that could have been given to the Saints.”
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Southampton’s Tonda Eckert walked out of her press conference shortly after being asked if she is a ‘cheater’ following the Saints spygate saga.
Peelmeanwhile, They are disappointed because they have been preparing to face Southampton since last week, Sky Sports News understand. The Saints were beaten twice by Hull in the Championship this season, but conversely, Middlesbrough beat Hull 4-1 away before losing 1-0 to The Tigers at home in December.
Wrexham, who finished the regular season seventh, They are believed to be monitoring the situation. Sky Sports News You understand that they will not make a decision on any possible action until after the appeal hearing.
Boro ‘welcome’ Southampton’s expulsion
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have issued a statement saying: “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 in terms of integrity and sporting conduct. As a club, we are now focused on our match against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday. Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly.”
“Boro will feel fully justified in their stance”
Kaveh Solhekol, chief correspondent of Sky Sports News:
It is an incredible turnaround for Middlesbrough, and they will feel vindicated after fighting hard to ensure their interests were represented. From their point of view, what Southampton did was completely against the rules and gave them an unfair advantage.
Middlesbrough’s owners and executives will feel fully justified in their stance. And of course it now seems very smart that the players have not gone on holiday and have returned to training, because now they can prepare for what is often described as the richest match in world football.
If he wins it, he will potentially make around £200m in revenue.
Spygate Timeline: How Did We Get Here?
May 7: Middlesbrough make a formal complaint to the EFL alleging that a member of Southampton staff spied on their training session three days before the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
May 9: Boro manager Kim Hellberg accuses Southampton of cheating after the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium.
May 12: Southampton accused of breaching EFL regulations in relation to spying allegations. Southampton is requesting additional time to conduct an internal review.
The second leg of the play-off semi-final is played at St Mary’s. Shea Charles’ extra-time goal gives Southampton a 2-1 win and a place in the Championship play-off final.
Emotional Hellberg slams ‘disgraceful spying’, before Saints boss Tonda Eckert storms out of his press conference after being asked: ‘Are you a cheater?’
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Following their play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton, Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg shared a passionate response about the alleged spygate drama surrounding the match.
May 13: Photos allegedly showing Southampton analyst near Middlesbrough training ground released.
May 14: It is announced that the independent hearing to determine the fate of Southampton will take place on or before Tuesday, May 19. In a statement, the EFL says that “the outcome of the disciplinary procedure may still result in changes to the calendar.”
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Highlights from the second leg of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final between Southampton and Middlesbrough
May 15: Middlesbrough publicly calls for Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs. In a statement, they said: “In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.”
May 18: Middlesbrough players return to training as the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing nears.
May 19: EFL announces that Southampton have been expelled from the play-off final after a hearing.
