Southampton face Spygate revolt: Furious stars threaten to sue

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FT Desk

Southampton players are considering legal action against the club due to future loss of earnings as the fallout from the 'spygate' scandal continues.

The Saints have officially been thrown out of the Championship playoff final against Hull after they were found guilty of spying on Middlesbrough training ahead of the first leg of the semi-final last week.

Middlesbrough train at Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth-on-Tees. Unlike many clubs that keep their training facilities shielded from view, Boro’s base is open to the public as part of a luxury spa and golf resort developed by owner Steve Gibson.

Southampton performance analyst William Salt was spotted standing on a small hill overlooking the pitches, where he began live-streaming a training session via video call before being confronted by a Middlesbrough staff member.

Salt then fled the scene, changed his clothes in a dressing room within the resort, and quickly left the site. However, CCTV footage and the staff member’s description led to his identification, with Boro later matching him to Southampton’s staff list on the club’s official website.

Southampton subsequently beat Middlesbrough over two legs in the semi-final and Boro then released a statement demanding the Saints' expulsion from the playoffs.

They got their wish, as the EFL confirmed on Tuesday:

"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."

Southampton have not only lost out on the hundreds of millions that were on the table, if they won the playoff final, but they are now facing a player revolt.

The Athletic reports that the players found out about the EFL's verdict at the same time as everyone else and that they are furious that their efforts to earn promotion - and with that a significant payrise - will not come to fruition due to no fault of their own.

Players who were relegated last season received a 40% wage cut and that was set to be added back on, with bonuses, should they earn promotion. The squad has contacted the the Professional Footballers’ Association for advice and could take legal action against the club due to loss of earnings.

In addition to being thrown up of the playoff final, Southampton will also receive a four-point deduction at the beginning of the 2026/27 Championship season.

There is the possibility that head coach Tonda Eckert will receive a ban from football should he be found guilty of orchestrating Spygate.