Incredible drama as the Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Championship Play-Off final, with Middlesbrough now set to play Hull City instead.
Southampton having admitted multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.
As well as the Spygate incident at the Middlesbrough training ground, Southampton admitting doing the same before matches against Oxford United and Ipswich Town earlier this season.
In addition to having been kicked out of the play-offs, Southampton also receiving a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table.
The official EFL statement detailing: ‘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.’
However…this may not be the end of the matter.
The official EFL statement going on to say: ‘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.’
With Southampton having admitting the breaching of the rules with regard to three different matches, you would think they’d be best off calling it a day rather than humiliating themselves further by appealing.
So as things stand, either Hull City or Middlesbrough will be in the Premier League next season.