Today07:21 BSTBoro have been trainingUnsurprisingly, Middlesbrough have been training in case they needed to play this weekend. The Boro players would have usually gone on holiday in normal circumstances, but Southampton's situation has kept them on alert.Now, depending on the result of today's appeal, Boro will face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday as they seek a place in next season's Premier League.Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg had his team continuing to train while a decision was made(Image: PA Wire)Today06:55 BSTEckert unaware of spying cultureSouthampton boss Tonda Eckert claimed that spying on opponents is common practice elsewhere in Europe and, as a result, he had no idea it was against the rules in English football, according to the Telegraph.The Saints boss has conceded that he was responsible for the decision to spy on opponents. Eckert has held roles with the German national side and the youth teams at FC Koln, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich - where the practice of spying is undertook.He claims he was naive to the culture in England, which was his key defence when he spoke to an EFL hearing.Today05:58 BSTSaints to also face points deductionAs if losing their place in the Play-Off Final wasn't enough, Southampton are also staring down the barrel of a four-point deduction for next season.According to the EFL, Southampton admitted "multiple breaches" relating to the unauthorised filming of their opponents training ahead of games.‌Today03:33 BSTSouthampton FC yet to release statementSouthampton FC are yet to release a statement on social media after the news broke on Tuesday evening. The club will launch an appeal, which will be heard by a different commission panel.Meanwhile, Middlesbrough said in a statement that the club "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," the club added.Southampton have been charged by the EFL(Image: Getty Images)Today00:31 BSTEFL statement in fullAn 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.19th May21:21 BSTSouthampton 'confident' According to the Daily Echo, Southampton CEO Phil Parsons has communicated directly to all club staff via an internal email confirming that the legal team at St Mary's 'remain confident' in their position ahead of an appeal.As far as the playing staff are concerned, preparations are continuing as normal for the play-off final.‌19th May21:11 BSTHull star speaks outHull star Oli McBurnie has become one of the first players to speak out in the aftermath of the EFL's decision.Taking to Twitter, he said: "Mad day all round! Nothing changes, we take what’s ours on Saturday!"19th May20:58 BSTKick off time to be confirmedFans of Middlesbrough and Hull will be eagerly awaiting news of kick-off time.Mirror Football understands that will be confirmed tonight or possibly in the morning.The play-off final was originally due to kick off at 4:30pm.19th May20:42 BSTMore from Spygate hearingSo we know what punishment Southampton will face but that isn't the end of the story.Mirror Football understands that the Saints have submitted an appeal. That will be heard tomorrow with any result set to be shared within 24 hours.The EFL have mentioned no individual sanctions, that will be the remit of the Football Association, who have yet to confirm.‌19th May20:27 BSTRead Jez Cross' opinionMiddlesbrough owner Steve Gibson took what was said to be an 'aggressive' legal approach to getting the maximum punishment for Southampton. And it seems to have worked, following the news Southampton have been thrown out of the Championship play-off final.Memo to Southampton: if you're going to indulge in industrial cheating, don't get caught. Because the intern who Southampton manager Tonda Eckert sent to Teeside to spy on Middlesbrough's training session ahead of the semi-final first leg has just cost his club a crack at winning the most expensive game in world football.Read more here...19th May19:50 BSTStrachan offers his takeOne man who has experience of managing both Southampton and Middlesbrough is Gordon Strachan and he has shared his thoughts on the situation.Speaking to Andy's Bet Club, he said: "We saw this with Marcelo Bielsa, but there weren't any rules in place at that point. But there are rules now. However, the rules didn't define what the sanctions and fines would be. It's very harsh that Southampton have been kicked out of the final."That being said, I think there is embarrassment for the manager and Southampton, because I think Southampton's status has gone right downhill now."19th May19:34 BSTDeals up in the airToday's decision could have a major impact on Southampton's summer transfer business.Loanees Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz were expected to complete permanent moves on the basis that the Saints earned promotion to the Premier League. Those deals may now not happen.A few Southampton players could also potentially look for pastures new.‌19th May19:22 BSTPortsmouth reactSouthampton's South Coast rivals Portsmouth have offer their take on this evening's stunning news and it's a cheeky one.Content cannot be displayed without consent19th May19:14 BSTEx-Boro star speaks outFormer Middlebrough star Gaizka Mendieta has offered his take on the impact this decision has had upon the squad.Speaking to PlayUK, he said: "Spygate is like the AFCON drama which is still going on. It was very similar."This must be really hard for the players, in their heads they might feel like they should already be on holiday, some of them might’ve had flights booked just in case."Mentally it's obviously more difficult than it is physically. Physically, players are fit. It's about how you keep the players engaged and committed to the attention that is required for a huge game like that. I’d back Boro to win."19th May19:08 BSTSouthampton lodge appealAnd here we are. According to The Telegraph, Southampton have already lodged an appeal against the decision.It's tough to see the EFL performing a u-turn and re-instating them to the final but they could argue that the points deduction for next season is too harsh.Remember, any appeal process has to be completed by tomorrow given the close proximity of the playoff final.‌19th May19:06 BSTHeskey speaks out Emile Heskey, who earned promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs has suggested he would have kept the Saints in the competition.Speaking to Hajper, he said: "I wouldn't have kicked Southampton out of the play-off final. The worst I'd do is give them a big fine because in reality, everyone does it, or at least everyone did it back in the day."Everyone was doing it back in the day. The funniest part of this whole thing is the guy just stood there with a camera going like he thought no one could see him."It just shows how football has moved on but regardless of tactics and everything else it’s still about the special moments. If a ball comes in and one lads overkicks it, what does that have to do with ‘spygate’? What would the camera do? Nothing."If someone takes the ball and dribbles through a defence and smashes it in, top bins, it doesn’t matter what footage you’ve been taking from the training ground. It’s about bringing the focus of the game back to those special players with the special moments."19th May19:01 BSTPlayoffs decidedSo it's now going to be Hull City vs Middlesbrough instead of Southampton in the play-off final. Here are all of the details you needHull City vs MiddlesbroughWembley StadiumSaturday, May 23 (KO tbc)19th May18:57 BSTSpygate breakdownIf you don't want to read the full statement, here's basically what has happened:Southampton admitted to multiple 'spying' allegationsThe Saints have been kicked out of the playoffs in favour of MiddlesbroughThey have also received a four-point deduction for next seasonSouthampton also admitted to spying on Oxford in December and Ipswich in MayAny appeal process has to be concluded by TOMORROW‌19th May18:54 BSTStatement in fullHere's everything that the EFL have had to say:"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."19th May18:53 BSTReminder: Appeal processThis MIGHT not be the end of the story.Southampton can still appeal this decision, with another independent panel set to re-hear their side of the story.We await an official statement from the Saints in response.19th May18:51 BSTMiddlesbrough issue statementBoro, whose season looked over last week, are now 90 minutes away from the Premier League.They have issued the following statement: "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."‌19th May18:48 BSTSouthampton expelledSome major breaking news as the EFL confirm that Southampton have been expelled from the play-offs.A statement on Tuesday 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. 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."19th May18:32 BSTWhich rules have Southampton actually broken?These ones here:EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; andEFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.19th May17:58 BSTAny chance of an appeal? This is a complicated one and the answer is yes and no at the same time.Given they are both included in the proceedings, both Southampton and the EFL can appeal depending on the outcome.But Middlesbrough cannot. That is becase they will have no representation in the case, which means they are not allowed to appeal.Any appeal from the current parties would be heard by an Independent League Arbitration by three new members compared to the hearing panel.‌19th May17:31 BSTEx-Hull defender speaks outFormer Hull City defender Michael Dawson has suggested that a 'severe' punishment could be on the way for Southampton.He said: "Well, I absolutely hate it. The integrity of the game, the sportsmanship, and yes, look, managers, players, you try to make an advantage wherever you can, but going to do, if found guilty is unacceptable. They've got a big decision to make and they have to make it quick, cos you've got to think of all the Hull City fans that have booked the travel, the hotel, what will be the outcome?"Only time will tell, but the EFL have certainly got a big, big decision to be made because we saw what happened with Leeds United when they were fined £200,000 a few years ago. I don't like it, and I expect them to be punished severely."19th May17:02 BSTSaints to face punishmentsPunishments available to the EFL includeA points deductionA fineOr seeing their place in the Championship play-off surrenderedBoss Tonda Eckert and sporting director Johannes Spors could also face bans if found guilty.Tonda Eckert(Image: Getty Images)19th May16:55 BSTHearing set for conclusionA hearing into the allegations has been taking place today, with Southampton expected to find out their fate tomorrow.However, reports have suggested that the Saints are hoping at least an indication of the likely outcome of the Spygate hearing on Tuesday itself, even if the full and final verdict is not delivered until Wednesday.Should they be found guilty, a number of punishments are available to the EFL.‌19th May16:51 BSTEFL confirm charge The EFL spoke out in the aftermath and confirmed that the Saints had been charged.A statement read: "Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission."This follows a request from the EFL for the Club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two Clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg. The charges relate to the following Regulations:"EFL Regulation 3.4 , which requires Clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any Club from observing, or attempting to observe, another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two Clubs."Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges. However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity. The League will make no further comment whilst proceedings are ongoing."What happened? First of all, where have you been? But secondly, buckle up, this is a bizarre one.Ahead of Southampton's play-off semi final against Middlesbrough, a Saints employee was accused of spying on Boro. He was seen at Boro's training ground ahead of the game. He deleted footage and photos from his phone.They then went into a nearby hotel and changed clothes. Middlesbrough subsequently submitted a complaint to the EFL.Southampton eventually beat Boro 2-1 on aggregate, Shea Charles scoring an extra-time winner.Shea Charles scored the goal to book Southampton's spot at Wembley(Image: Getty Images)19th May16:44 BSTGood afternoon!Good afternoon and welcome to Mirror Football's live coverage of Southampton's EFL hearing.The Saints are facing allegations of spying ahead of their play-off semi final against Middlesbrough.Are they guilty? And what punishments could they face if they are?Stick with us to find out...‌