Tom HamiltonMay 19, 2026, 01:50 PM ETClose• Joined ESPN in 2011 • Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours • Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018

Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship playoff final after being found guilty of spying on multiple opponents during the 2025-26 season.

The English Football League (EFL) has hit Southampton with an additional four-point deduction ahead of next term.

- Boro players on standby pending 'Spygate' verdict

Middlesbrough, who lost to Southampton in their playoff semifinal, have been reinstated and will face Hull City on Saturday for a spot in the Premier League. The final is still scheduled for May 23 but could be further delayed if Southampton appeal the sanction.

The EFL originally charged Southampton with spying on Middlesbrough ahead of the first leg of their playoff semifinal. But further charges were levelled at Southampton on May 17 "in relation to additional breaches during the 2025-26 season" which corresponded to their fixture against Oxford United in Dec. 2025 and Ipswich in April 2026.

Southampton admitted breaches of the 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 EFL added that "Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission's decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday's fixture."

Southampton have confirmed to the Press Association they will appeal the sanctions. The EFL said the parties were working to ensure an appeal could be heard on Wednesday.

"Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday's fixture," the EFL said.

The EFL said the written reasons for the commission's sanctions would be issued in due course, and that it would now hold further discussions with the three clubs regarding the implications of the decision.

Middlesbrough, who had called last week for Southampton to be kicked out over the scandal, issued a statement welcoming the decision, adding: "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. Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly."

Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48818048/southampton-expelled-championship-playoffs-spygate-middlesbrough