Southampton expelled from Championship playoffs as spygate punishment

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert is eagerly awaiting the result of an EFL hearing regarding 'Spygate' -Credit:Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images The EFL Championship Playoff Final is a matter of days away, with Wembley Stadium primed to host Southampton and Hull City on Saturday to decide which team will join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season. However, while Southampton were originally due to face the Tigers at the home of English soccer, the 'Spygate' saga has entirely derailed the Saints' promotion push. With Southampton intern analyst William Salt alleged to have spied on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough during a training session ahead of the semi-finals, as per The Mirror , on Tuesday, the EFL announced that Southampton had been found guilty and thus expelled from the final.

Carlo Ancelotti names Brazil’s World Cup team with Neymar included as Chelsea star snubbed Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City after trophy-laden decade in charge The Saints are alleged to have sent an intern to 'spy' on Middlesbrough during a training session -Credit:Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images Following a swift investigation, the EFL has announced its findings mere days from the final, stating, "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. " The statement went on to explain that the original charge on May 8 was followed by "additional breaches" which had been unearthed on May 17. To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE "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," it continued. "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.