Southampton take immediate action after being thrown out of Championship play-off final over 'spygate'

Southampton have been thrown out of the Championship play-offs following the 'spygate' affair and have immediately confirmed they will challenge the ruling.

The club informed the Press Association that an appeal against the independent commission's verdict will be lodged.

Middlesbrough, who were defeated by Southampton in the semi-finals, have now been restored to the competition.

They will take on Hull City in Saturday's showpiece final at Wembley, scheduled for 23 May.

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The dramatic turn of events follows Southampton's admission to multiple violations of EFL regulations concerning the covert observation of rival clubs' training sessions.

The club acknowledged breaching regulations that mandate clubs operate with the utmost good faith and forbid surveillance of opponents' training within 72 hours of a fixture.

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Three separate incidents were confirmed by Southampton during the current campaign.

The first occurred ahead of their December 2025 encounter with Oxford United.

A second breach took place prior to facing Ipswich Town in April of this year.

The most recent and consequential violation involved Middlesbrough in May, just days before their play-off semi-final clash.

Additional charges were brought on 17 May after investigators uncovered further misconduct following the initial Middlesbrough complaint.

The Independent Disciplinary Commission imposed a four-point penalty that will be deducted from Southampton's tally in the 2026/27 Championship season.

This sanction comes on top of their expulsion from the current play-off competition.

The club also received a formal reprimand covering all the charges they admitted to.

Southampton were initially charged on Friday 8 May following Middlesbrough's complaint about surveillance of their training ground.

Further charges followed on Sunday 17 May as the investigation widened to encompass the earlier incidents involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

These additional breaches only came to light after the original proceedings against the south coast club had commenced.

The scandal erupted on 7 May when Middlesbrough lodged a formal complaint with the EFL, alleging a Southampton staff member had observed their training three days before the semi-final first leg.

Following a goalless draw at the Riverside Stadium, Boro manager Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of cheating.

The second leg proceeded at St Mary's on 12 May, where Shea Charles scored in extra time to secure Southampton's 2-1 victory.

An emotional Hellberg condemned the "disgraceful spying", whilst Saints boss Tonda Eckert walked out of his press conference when asked: "Are you a cheat?"

Middlesbrough subsequently demanded Southampton's removal from the play-offs entirely.

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