Southampton appeal Spygate banishment and throw play-off final in chaos | Football | Sport

Southampton will immediately appeal their banishment from the Championship play-off final. The EFL announced that an independent disciplinary commission has expelled the Saints after the club admitted to multiple breaches of rules surrounding unauthorised filming of rival clubs’ training.

They have also been given a four-point deduction which will be applied to next season. Middlesbrough have been reinstated to the play-offs and will take part in the final against Hull on Saturday, with a kick-off time to be determined. The EFL confirmed that Southampton have a right to appeal and they will do so.

All relevant parties are currently working to resolve any appeal by Wednesday, May 20. Subject to the outcome, it could result in more changes to Saturday’s fixture.

TalkSPORT claim that Southampton told them that an appeal against the sanctions has already been submitted and the club intends to fight their punishment in “the strongest possible way”.

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EFL rules state that an appeal must be heard by a three-person panel of experienced lawyers or barristers, but different to the original independent disciplinary commission.

With an appeal ongoing, significant doubt remains over the play-off final and plans for it to go ahead between Middlesbrough and Hull.

An EFL statement, in full, read: “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 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, who pushed for serious sporting sanctions as soon as news of Spygate broke, expressed delight at their reinstatement to the play-offs.

“Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s disciplinary commission hearing,” their statement read.

“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.”