LONDON: Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship playoffs after being found guilty of spying on semifinal opponents Middlesbrough, the English Football League said on Tuesday. Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 to Southampton in the two-legged semifinal, have been re-instated and will now face Hull City on Saturday in what is dubbed the world’s richest soccer match. Promotion to the Premier League is estimated to be worth in the region of 200 million pounds over three seasons. Southampton have also been deducted four points for next season in England’s second-tier.
Southampton expelled from EFL playoff final after spying breach
Southampton have also been deducted four points for next season in England’s second-tier
The EFL confirmed that Southampton can appeal against the decision
May 19, 2026 21:27
LONDON: Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship playoffs after being found guilty of spying on semifinal opponents Middlesbrough, the English Football League said on Tuesday.
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Southampton was charged earlier this month for the unauthorized filming of Middlesbrough’s practice sessions ahead of their…
Middlesbrough reinstated to take on Hull in Saturday’s playoff final with Southampton having a right to appeal
Middlesbrough are to face Hull in the Championship playoff final after Southampton admitted they spied on Boro and two other…
The south-coast club will appeal the decision, which also sees them handed a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season in the…
Beaten semi-finalists Middlesbrough will now face Hull at Wembley for a place in the Premier League
