Southampton expelled from EFL Championship play-offs following 'spygate' scandal as Middlesbrough reinstated, will face Hull City at Wembley
Updated 19/05/2026 at 19:57 GMT+1
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Southampton have been expelled from the EFL Championship play-offs over the 'spygate' scandal, it has been confirmed by the EFL.
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In a sensational development on Tuesday evening, Middlesbrough have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, May 23 at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.
Southampton have the right to appeal the verdict in the next 24 hours and the EFL have added that "subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday's fixture".
As it stands, however, the south coast club will also receive a four-point deduction for next season's 2026/27 campaign in the second tier.
The Saints have admitted to "multiple breaches" of filming other clubs' training at the EFL hearing - against Oxford United in December 2025 and Ipswich Town in April 2026.
In a statement, the governing body said: "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.
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It looked as though Shea Charles' goal had sent Saints into the play-off final
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"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."
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Boro goalkeeper Sol Brynn celebrates Riley McGree's goal at St Mary's
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Middlesbrough have issued a statement welcoming the outcome of the disciplinary commission hearing.
"We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct," the club stated.
"We are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday. Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly."
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From Saints to sinners: How Spygate unfolded
For Middlesbrough, who were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Southampton in their semi-final play-off earlier this month, it will feel like justice has been served.
The Teesside club made a formal complaint to the EFL on May 7, alleging a Southampton member of staff spied on their training session three days before the first leg.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg accused Southampton of cheating after the 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium on May 9.
Saints were subsequently charged by the EFL on May 12 with a breach of regulations 3.4 - which "requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith" - and 127 - which "prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs".
Southampton requested additional time to conduct an internal review.
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Southampton fans revelled in the accusations during the play-offs
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Despite the controversy, the second leg went ahead at St Mary’s on May 12, where Shea Charles struck an extra-time winner to secure victory and send Southampton into the Championship play-off final.
Following the match, Hellberg described the situation as "disgraceful spying," while Saints head coach Tonda Eckert later walked out of his post-match press conference after being asked directly, "Are you a cheat?"
Images later emerged in the media allegedly showing a Southampton analyst near Boro's training ground, further intensifying scrutiny of the allegations on May 13.
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Middlesbrough captain Dael Fry looks dejected after defeat to Southampton - but he will have the chance against at Wembley
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Middlesbrough subsequently issued a strongly worded statement calling for Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs, arguing that only a sporting sanction could properly address the situation and prevent the club from competing in the final.
As the decision on the case drew nearer, Boro players returned to training, awaiting the outcome of the independent hearing that could yet reshape the end of their season. Now, their decision to keep on top of their match sharpness has been vindicated.
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