Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSouthampton's appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final has been rejected, upholding the EFL's disciplinary action. It means Middlesbrough, whom Southampton defeated in the semi-finals, will now replace them in the play-off final against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday, May 23, with the game due to kick-off at 3.30pm.Southampton were found guilty of spying, having admitted to filming training sessions of opposing Championship sides, including Oxford United, Ipswich Town, as well as Middlesbrough. As a result of breaching Football League regulations, Southampton will also face a four-point deduction for the 2026/27 season. Southampton had argued the punishment was "manifestly disproportionate", and the analyst involved, Tonda Eckert, may face further FA misconduct charges. Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
‘Spygate’ appeal verdict: When is Championship play-off final and what time is k/o
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSouthampton's appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final has been rejected, upholding the EFL's disciplinary action. It means Middlesbrough, whom Southampton defeated in the semi-finals, will now replace them in the play-off final against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday, May 23, with the game due to kick-off at 3.30pm.Southampton were found guilty of spying, having admitted to filming training sessions of opposing Championship sides, including Oxford United, Ipswich Town, as well as Middlesbrough. As a result of breaching Football League regulations, Southampton will also face a four-point deduction for the 2026/27 season. Southampton had argued the punishment was "manifestly disproportionate", and the analyst involved, Tonda Eckert, may face further FA misconduct charges. Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
