Southampton Expelled From Championship Play-off Final

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs after admitting to spying on three different clubs this season.

The EFL have charged Tonda Eckert’s Saints with watching training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town and, most recently, Middlesbrough as they prepared for their play-off semi-final against the Teesiders.

Middlesbrough, who were beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, have now been reinstated and will face Hull City for a place in England’s top flight.

The independent disciplinary commission has also handed Southampton a four-point deduction in the Championship for next season.

On top of a sporting punishment, Saints will miss out on the chance to make at least £110m in additional revenue, which is awarded to the winner of the Championship play-off final.

The final will remain on Saturday at Wembley with the kick-off time of 15:30.

Southampton have admitted to “multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs training”, the EFL said.

The Saints have also received a reprimand in respect of all of the charges.

Eckert’s side are expected to lodge an appeal today and will argue that the punishment is disproportionate.

The EFL said it would be “working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday, 20th May.”

They added, “subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.”

Southampton’s appeal will be heard by an Independent League Arbitration panel with three new members from the original ILA.

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.”

Southampton did not win any of the three games they admitted to spying on, losing 2-1 at Oxford, drawing 2-2 at home to Ipswich, and 0-0 at Boro.

The statement continued: “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.”

Middlesbrough issued a statement which said they “welcome the outcome”.

“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct,” it added.

“As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday. Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly.”

It is understood that all parties have agreed to bring the matter to a conclusion on Wednesday to avoid the prospect of the final being moved.

However, they must also wait to see whether the Football Association issues charges against individuals involved in the spying. The EFL can only apply sanctions against its member clubs.

After a spying case at the 2024 Olympic Games, three members of Canada’s staff, including the head coach, were banned from all football by FIFA for a year.