Southampton’s EFL appeal rejected with play-off ban for spying scandal upheld

Southampton have failed in their appeal to get their expulsion from the Championship play-offs overturned. Saints were thrown out of the play-off final by an independent disciplinary commission after they admitted multiple breaches of spying on other teams – including on play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough before the first leg. They immediately appealed the decision but a league arbitration panel upheld the punishment, which also includes a four-point deduction for next season’s Championship campaign.

Middlesbrough, who were beaten 2-1 by Southampton in the semi-final, were readmitted to the play-offs on Tuesday and will face Hull in Saturday’s final at Wembley. Southampton have no option to appeal for a second time with the EFL saying: “The decision is final and cannot be appealed”. Southampton responded to what they called “an extremely disappointing outcome” with a club statement, which called the verdict “disproportionate”.

However, they also said they would react with “humility” and set about trying to regain the trust of their supporters. They said: “This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this.

Southampton were expelled from the play-offs for spying on their opponents (PA) “While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours. “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. We will share information as soon as possible in relation to ticket refunds for those who bought tickets to Wembley.