A final conclusion has been reached on the Southampton and Middlesbrough play-off drama.
An Independent Disciplinary Commission had on Tuesday decided that Southampton should be kicked out of the play-off final (and be deducted four points for the 2026/26 Championship season) due to the Spygate situation.
Southampton had instantly appealed against the punishment.
On Wednesday night though, it has been announced that the ‘League Arbitration Panel has tonight dismissed Southampton Football Club’s appeal against the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s sanction following the admittance of multiple breaches of EFL Regulations.’
The official EFL statement going on to say: ‘The determination means that the original sanction of expulsion from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs remains in place, as does the four-point deduction to be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table and the reprimand in respect of all charges.’
Having previously admitted that they had spied on opposition training at least three times ahead of matches, it was difficult to see how any appeal had a chance of succeeding by Southampton.
The EFL now stating: ‘The Club submitted its appeal following yesterday’s decision of the Independent Disciplinary Commission in respect of breaches of EFL Regulations {see HERE}. As per EFL Regulations, the decision of the League Arbitration Panel is final and cannot be appealed. Following the conclusion of the proceedings, the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Hull City and Middlesbrough is confirmed as taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23 May, kicking off at 3:30pm.’