Southampton kicked out of Championship play-off final as Middlesbrough take their place after Spygate investigation

Southampton have sensationally been thrown out of the Championship play-off final against Hull City.

The decision was made following a hearing by an independent disciplinary commission after the Saints were charged with breaching EFL regulations on multiple occasions throughout the season.

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It means Middlesbrough, who were beaten by the Saints in last week’s semi-finals, will take their place in Saturday’s Wembley showpiece. A kick-off time for their showdown with Hull City is yet to be disclosed.

Saints will also have a four-point deduction imposed on them in the Championship 2026/27 season. talkSPORT understands Southampton intend to launch an appeal.

Why were Southampton charged by the EFL?

Southampton were alleged to have conducted unauthorised filming of a Middlesbrough training session at their facilities within 72 hours of the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

It was alleged that the Saints sent intern Will Salt to secretly film Boro’s training. Southampton have also been found guilty of spying on Ipswich Town and Oxford United earlier in the season.

EFL regulations state clubs are prohibited from ‘observing, or attempting to observe’ another team’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled fixture between the two teams.

Despite Southampton emerging 2-1 victors over the two legs, Boro’s players continued to train following the result in the event they replaced the Saints in the play-off final, and they will now take on Hull.

The contest is often dubbed ‘the richest match in football’, largely because of the financial windfall that comes with victory.

EFL statement

Announcing the seismic news, the EFL said in a statement: “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.

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“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.

“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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Middlesbrough statement

Reacting to the news, Boro said in a statement: “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.”

How much do teams earn for winning the play-off final?

Winning the play-off final guarantees the victor a spot in next season’s Premier League and with it, a cool £220million.

The eye-watering nine-figure sum is down to the Premier League’s new TV deal, which is worth a minimum £220m.

Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Sunderland were the first beneficiaries of the upgraded sum, which was previously £170m, as they beat Sheffield United in last season’s play-off final.

The winner of Saturday’s contest will join Coventry City and Ipswich Town as the three teams promoted from the Championship.