Southampton banned from Championship play‑off final over spying allegations

Southampton were expelled from the Championship play‑off final on Tuesday after admitting to spying on a training session of their semi‑final opponents, Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough have been reinstated and will face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.

The club will also lose four points next season after admitting to multiple breaches of regulations concerning the “unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training” sessions, the English Football League (EFL) said.

“An independent disciplinary commission has today expelled Southampton from the Championship play‑offs,” the EFL announced.

Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, confirmed that they would appeal the sanctions.

The EFL said it was working to ensure an appeal could be heard on Wednesday.

“Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture,” the EFL added.

Promotion to the Premier League is worth an estimated £200 million ($268 million) in extra revenue.

A member of the Southampton coaching staff was caught by Middlesbrough officials recording training on his phone.

The EFL confirmed further charges had been laid against Southampton, and that the club had also admitted observing training sessions ahead of matches against Oxford and Ipswich.

The first leg ended 0‑0 before Southampton progressed with a 2‑1 win after extra time in the second leg.

Middlesbrough issued a statement welcoming the outcome of the disciplinary commission hearing.

“We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct,” it said.

Southampton have lost only once in their last 25 games, a 2‑1 FA Cup semi‑final defeat to Manchester City.

After a poor start to the season, they surged into promotion contention once Tonda Eckert took charge in November.

However, the future of the German coach at St. Mary’s is now in doubt.

The post Southampton expelled from Championship play‑off final over spying appeared first on Vanguard News.