Southampton EXPELLED from Championship play-offs as Middlesbrough reinstated

Southampton have been kicked out from the Championship play-offs following the 'spygate' scandal.

Following their win over Middlesbrough in the championship play-off semi-finals, it was revealed that a member of Southampton's staff had spied on their rivals training sessions ahead of the first leg.

Shortly after it was revealed that Southampton has been charged with breaching EFL regulations, placing their position in the final in major doubt.

The EFL later confirmed in a statement that a disciplinary hearing would be held to discuss the incident and any potential punishment on or before May 19.

Southampton were charged with watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, as well as filming Middlesbrough as they trained for their play-off semi-final.

And now, it has been confirmed that the EFL have decided to expel Southampton from the final, with Middlesbrough instead reinstated to face Hull City for Premier League promotion.

The club's actions saw them breach two regulations, EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith and EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.

Southampton have been found guilty of both charges, having admitted to 'multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs,' the EFL confirmed.

Additionally, Southampton have been handed a four-point deduction for next season's Championship season.

The EFL said in a statement: "Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025-26 season.

"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.

"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."

The decision is a huge blow to Southampton, who maintain the right to appeal the verdict, with some reports suggesting that the club immediately appealed against the decision.

Middlesbrough release statement reacting to Southampton's expulsion

Shortly after the news was confirmed, Middlesbrough released their own statement 'welcoming' the decision and laying out their plans for the week ahead.

"Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing," the club stated.

"We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct.

"As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday."

Following the EFL charging Southampton, Middlesbrough's remained on standby to return to training following the outcome of the 'Spygate' hearing and will therefore be ready to push for promotion to the Premier League.

The final will remain on Saturday at Wembley with the kick-off time to be confirmed and details for Middlesbrough fans looking to buy tickets to be confirmed.

Meanwhile Southampton fans who had already bought ticketys Saturday's game will receive a full refund.