Southampton have been thrown out of the Championship play-offs over the Spygate scandal, with Middlesbrough taking their place in the final against Hull City.
The Saints have also been handed a four-point deduction that will come in for the start of next season.
The Championship play-off final is scheduled for this Saturday (May 23) but Southampton now have the right to appeal the decision from the English Football League (EFL).
The EFL have stated that any appeal will be heard and resolved on Wednesday May 20, but admit that the crunch Wembley fixture could be changed again.
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An EFL statement read: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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 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.
‘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.
‘The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.’
Middlesbrough were beaten 1-0 on aggregate by Southampton in the play-off semi-finals, but are now preparing to face Hull this weekend for a place in the Premier League.
A statement from Middlesbrough read: ‘Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing.
‘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.’
More to follow…