FA launch investigation into ‘Spygate’ after Southampton thrown out of play-offs

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 Football Club have been expelled from the Championship play-offs and will incur a four-point deduction for the upcoming season, following an EFL independent disciplinary commission's ruling on their admission of spying on opponents. The club confessed to observing training sessions of play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, alongside Oxford and Ipswich, with these incidents occurring after the appointment of head coach Tonda Eckert in early December. The Football Association has initiated its own investigation to determine if additional charges should be brought against Southampton, after the club's appeal against the initial EFL sanction was dismissed. Southampton's chief executive, Phil Parsons, criticised the sanctions as “manifestly disproportionate”, citing the loss of an estimated £200m in potential Premier League revenue, while player Leo Scienza described the punishment as “heartbreaking”. Middlesbrough, who have replaced Southampton in the play-off final, welcomed the expulsion, asserting it “sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct”, amid uncertainty surrounding Eckert's future and reports of potential legal action from players. In fullSouthampton could face further punishment over ‘Spygate’ scandal as FA launches investigationThank 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

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