Southampton expelled from Championship play-offs over 'spygate' with Middlesbrough reinstated

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs over the 'spygate' scandal.

Middlesbrough have been reinstated after a bombshell verdict from an independent commission, which heard the EFL's case on Tuesday, and will now face Hull City in the play-off final in four days' time on Saturday May 23.

In addition, Southampton have been handed a four-point deduction for next season.

• WATCH: How alleged Saints 'Spygate' incident unfolded
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According to the EFL, Southampton admitted "multiple breaches" relating to the unauthorised filming of their opponents training ahead of games.

"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 were initially reported to the EFL by Middlesbrough when they alleged a Southampton staff member had spied on a training session on May 7 ahead of their play-off semi-final, in breach of league rules, with the EFL charging them the following day.

Southampton fans who have bought tickets for the play-off final can get full refunds.

'Shocked and flabbergasted' Southampton appeal decision

Sky Sports News understands that Southampton have already lodged their appeal to the commission's findings and will be fighting the decision. The EFL has acknowledged that the appeal's outcome "could result in a further change to Saturday's fixture".

Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam said the Saints are "shocked and flabbergasted" by the verdict, adding they believe the sanction to be "disproportionate".

He said: "Southampton feel they still have a very strong chance they will play Hull on Saturday after an appeal.

"Nobody expected these to be the sanctions. This is the biggest possible punishment Saints could have been given."

Hull, meanwhile, are disappointed as they have been preparing to face Southampton since last week, Sky Sports News understands. The Saints were defeated twice by Hull in the Championship this season - but conversely, Middlesbrough beat them Hull 4-1 away before losing 1-0 to The Tigers at home in December.

Wrexham, who finished the regular season seventh, are believed to be monitoring the situation. Sky Sports News understands they will not make a decision on any possible action until after the appeal hearing.

Boro 'welcome' Southampton's expulsion

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have released a statement saying: "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. Ticket information for our supporters will be available shortly."

'Boro will feel fully justified in their stance'

Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:

It's an incredible turnaround for Middlesbrough, and they will feel vindicated after fighting hard to ensure their interests were represented. From their point of view, what Southampton did was completely against the rules and gave them an unfair advantage.

Middlesbrough's owners and executives will feel fully justified in their stance. And, of course, it now looks very smart that the players didn't go on holiday and instead returned to training, because they can now prepare for what is often described as the richest game in world football.

If you win it, you're potentially looking at around £200m in revenue.

Spygate timeline: How did we get here?

May 7: Middlesbrough make formal complaint to the EFL alleging a Southampton member of staff spied on their training session three days before their Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

May 9: Boro boss Kim Hellberg accuses Southampton of cheating after the first leg ends in a 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium.

May 12: Southampton charged with a breach of EFL regulations in relation to the spying accusations. Southampton request additional time to conduct an internal review.

The play-off semi-final second leg is played at St Mary's. Shea Charles' extra-time winner earns Southampton a 2-1 victory and a place in the Championship play-off final.

Emotional Hellberg hits out at "disgraceful spying", before Saints boss Tonda Eckert storms out of his press conference after being asked: "Are you a cheat?"

May 13: Photos allegedly showing the Southampton analyst near Middlesbrough's training ground released publicly.

May 14: It is announced the independent hearing to determine Southampton's fate will take place on or before Tuesday May 19. In a statement, the EFL say "the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture."

May 15: Middlesbrough publicly call for Southampton's expulsion from the play-offs. In a statement, they said: "In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final."

May 18: Middlesbrough players return to training as the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing nears.

May 19: EFL announces Southampton expelled from play-off final after hearing.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Southampton expelled from Championship play-offs over 'spygate' with Middlesbrough reinstated