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 were kicked out of the Championship play-off final on Tuesday after admitting to spying on rival teams, including semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.Southampton opted to appeal the verdict after releasing a statement claiming the punishment was “manifestly disproportionate”.Their appeal has proved unsuccessful, and it has been confirmed that they have been replaced by Middlesbrough in the play-off final.Middlesbrough will now face Hull City in Saturday’s final at Wembley, with the game due to kick-off at 3.30pm.Southampton are also due to start next season with a four-point deduction after admitting to multiple breaches of the EFL’s regulations.In fullSouthampton’s EFL appeal rejected with play-off ban upheldThank 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

Southampton has been expelled from the second-tier Championship playoff final after admitting to the unauthorized filming of other clubs’ practice sessions.

Middlesbrough are to face Hull in the Championship playoff final after Southampton admitted they spied on Boro and two other opponents