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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Mike Taylor

Southampton Spygate: What play-off final chaos means for rest of EFL

Southampton EFL Middlesbrough
  • Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs and docked four points after admitting to spying on opponents Middlesbrough before their semi-final.
  • Middlesbrough reported to the EFL that a member of Southampton staff had spied on a training session on 7 May, in breach of league rules, with the EFL charging them the following day.
  • The Teesside club have been reinstated to the play-offs in an incredible verdict from an independent commission and are now set to take on Hull in Saturday’s play-off final at Wembley, pending any appeal from Southampton.
  • Southampton has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table and will be reprimanded.
  • Southampton have confirmed that they will appeal against the independent commission’s decision.

IN FULL

Southampton kicked out of Championship play-off final over spying scandal

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