Southampton learn playoff final fate as EFL announces 'spygate' verdict

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

The EFL has announced that Southampton have been expelled from the Championship playoffs after admitting to "spying" on Middlesbrough and several other clubs.

A scandal erupted ahead of the semi-final first leg between the Saints and Boro, when a member of Southampton's staff was seen taping a training session of their opponents, which is a clear breach of EFL regulations.

An investigation was launched, but the two matches nevertheless went ahead, with Tonda Eckert's side prevailing over Boro after winning the second leg 1-0. This set up a final clash with Hull City, scheduled to take place on Saturday.

After the game, Boro released an unambiguous statement, bluntly calling for Southampton to be kicked out of the playoffs. Despite the semi-final loss, Kim Hellberg's men continued to train as no decision from the EFL had been made.

Now, a verdict from the league has arrived - and Boro have got exactly what they wanted. The EFL has announced that Southampton have been expelled from the playoffs and that it will be Middlesbrough who will take on Hull at Wembley this weekend.

EFL statement

The EFL's 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."