Southampton expelled from play-offs for spying
Southampton has been expelled from the play-offs after admitting to spying on three Championship clubs. The EFL imposed a four-point deduction for the next season and reinstated Middlesbrough, who will now face Hull City for a chance to reach the Premier League. Southampton has the right to appeal the decision and is currently working on it.
- ▪Southampton was charged with spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough.
- ▪The club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL regulations regarding unauthorized filming of training sessions.
- ▪Middlesbrough has been reinstated in the play-offs and will compete against Hull City.
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Southampton expelled from play-offs for spyingImage source, OtherImage caption, Spygate is alleged to have taken place two days before Middlesbrough play-off semi-final first leg against SouthamptonByDale JohnsonFootball issues correspondentPublished19 May 2026, 18:48 BSTUpdated Just nowSouthampton have been thrown out of the play-offs after admitting they spied on three clubs in the Championship season.The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on 7 May.The independent disciplinary commission also handed Southampton a four-point deduction in the Championship for next season.Middlesbrough, beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, have been…
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