Southampton at risk of civil war as players ‘consider suing own club’ | Football | Sport
Southampton have been in the middle of a Spygate storm. (Image: Getty Images)
Southampton players are reportedly considering legal action should their expulsion from the Championship play-offs be confirmed. The Saints were thrown out of the play-off final against Hull City on Saturday following a ruling by an independent commission.
Tonda Eckert’s side had initially admitted to the charge of spying in connection with their first-leg clash against Middlesbrough, but it subsequently emerged that they had been found guilty of conducting covert surveillance on two separate occasions, against Oxford United in December and Ipswich in April.
Southampton will contest the punishment handed to them, which also includes a four-point deduction at the start of next season, but should the appeal fail, a player revolt could follow.
According to several outlets, including The Athletic and talkSPORT, players at St Mary’s are weighing up the possibility of legal action after being left incensed upon discovering the EFL’s decision at the same time as the general public, having been kept entirely in the dark throughout the process.
The players are scheduled to meet with the club on Wednesday, with The Athletic adding that the Professional Footballers’ Association have been approached for guidance.
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Meanwhile, talkSPORT report that the prospect of missing out on promotion to the Premier League and the substantial financial rewards that accompany it is amongst the primary sources of fury within the squad.
Southampton have lodged an appeal, which will be heard on Wednesday. It has been reported that chief executive Phil Parsons has expressed optimism about reversing the ruling in a memo to club staff.
Publicly, the Saints have kept quiet regarding the penalty. However, Middlesbrough had demanded the harshest sporting punishment before the hearing and following Tuesday evening’s announcement, they have issued further correspondence welcoming the outcome.
Their statement read: “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.”
It came after the initial statement from the EFL which 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.
Southampton fans mocked the spygate in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough (Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
