Southampton ousted from Championship play-offs after 'Spygate' allegations

Southampton were preparing for the biggest match of the season, but instead their campaign has come to an abrupt end as they've been expelled from the EFL Championship play-offs folllowing the "Spygate" scandal.

The Saints were due to play Hull City in the final on Saturday at Wembley with a place in the Premier League on the line, but instead they'll be replaced in that match by Middlesbrough.

Southampton had defeated Boro in the semi-finals, but the lead-up to those games was marred by controversy as Middlesbrough accused a member of the Saints' staff of spying on their training session. A formal complaint was lodged with the EFL, who charged Southampton with a breach of regulations and announced a hearing to take place on Tuesday, May 19.

"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," the EFL's statement read.

"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. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed."

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