Southampton were eliminated from the EFL Championship play-off final, with Middlesbrough spying on Hull for a place in the Premier League.
Published May 19, 2026
Southampton have been expelled from the English Football League (EFL) Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough’s training sessions.
As a result of Tuesday’s decision, Middlesbrough are back in action and will face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in English football’s Premier League.
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The match is considered the most lucrative in world soccer, as the winner will earn promotion to the Premier League, the world’s richest club competition, and earn an additional 200 million British pounds ($268 million).
A statement from the EFL said Southampton had admitted a number of breaches relating to “unauthorized filming of other clubs’ training sessions” and will receive a four-point penalty for next season.
“The independent disciplinary committee has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs,” the EFL said in a statement.
Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have confirmed they will appeal against the sanction.
The EFL said both parties were working to ensure the appeal hearing takes place on Wednesday.
The EFL said: “Depending on the result, there may be further changes to the content of Saturday’s match.”
A member of Southampton’s coaching staff was caught recording training sessions on his mobile phone by Middlesbrough officials.
The EFL confirmed further charges had been brought against Southampton and also confirmed the club had observed training sessions ahead of games against Oxford and Ipswich.
The first leg ended 0-0, but Southampton won the second leg 2-1 after extra time.
Middlesbrough Council has released a statement welcoming the outcome of the disciplinary committee hearing.
“We believe this sends a clear message to the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct,” it said in a statement.
