Wrexham star questions why play-off semi-finals are not being replayed without Southampton

Josh Windass has been left ‘confused’ as to why the Championship play-offs have not been restarted without Southampton.

The Wrexham star questioned the decision made by the EFL to send Middlesbrough straight through to play Hull City in the final.

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Boro were beaten by the Saints in their semi-final, but the latter have now been expelled from the play-offs for their rule breaches.

Tonda Eckert’s side admitted to multiple breaches related to filming other clubs’ training sessions and have been kicked out.

On top of that, they’ve also received a four-point deduction heading into the 2026/27 Championship campaign due to their conduct.

But Wrexham’s Windass believes that if Southampton have been removed, the play-offs should restart from the semi-finals instead.

The Red Dragons forward posted on Instagram: “This Southampton story is one of the maddest I’ve seen.

“But why isn’t the play-offs starting again with the four other teams? Boro vs Hull would have been the semi!! Confused.”

Windass has taken issue with the EFL’s ruling as Wrexham would directly benefit from the complete removal of Southampton.

If the play-offs were reset and played again, the Hollywood-owned Welsh outfit would take a spot in the semi-finals.

Middlesbrough would play Hull in the semis, with Wrexham moving up to sixth in the table and facing Millwall in the other game.

The EFL haven’t made that decision, but Windass’ feelings may well be echoed by others as the Spygate saga rumbles on.

www.instagram.com/windassjnr/

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What was the EFL’s official decision?

Announcing the news of Southampton’s expulsion on Tuesday, the EFL wrote: “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.

“Southampton were 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.

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“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.”

Spygate fallout continues

So, Windass may not see a complete restart of the Championship play-offs to benefit Wrexham, but he’ll certainly see further troubles for Southampton after being caught spying.

The Saints are understood to be appealing the punishment, however, things may be set to go from bad to worse for them.

Sources close to owner Dragan Solak say the Serbian will be ‘furious’ with manager Eckert for bringing the club’s name into disrepute and costing them a £200million shot at the Premier League.

As well as potentially losing his job, Eckert and sporting director Johannes Spors are likely to come under investigation from the FA and risk potential suspensions.

There is also a fear among the Southampton hierarchy that sponsors will pull out of deals for not wanting to be associated with a club who have admitted to cheating.

And players are also said to be raging at having their shot at the Premier League and the lucrative salaries and status that come with it snatched away.