Southampton have been removed from the Championship play-offs after being found guilty of breaching EFL regulations.The Saints were reported after a Southampton member of staff was caught spying on Middlesbroughs training session ahead of their semi-final meeting.As a result, Middlesbrough will take Southamptons place in the final, where they will face Hull. A statement from the EFL said: 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 todays 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.In addition to their expulsion and the points deduction, Southampton have received a reprimand in respect of all charges.The Saints, who were charged with also watching training sessions of Ipswich Town and Oxford United, have the right to appeal against the commissions decision. The EFL said that all parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May.A statement from Middlesbrough read: Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of todays 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. Topics Hull City A.F.C. Middlesbrough F.C. Southampton F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read BREAKING: Middlesbrough call for Southampton to be kicked out of Championship play-off final Jon Fisher 15th May, 2026 Hull disappointed by potential final delay: Not a good look for foootball Jon Fisher 15th May, 2026 EFL could postpone Championship play-off final over Southampton spy row Nicholas McGee 14th May, 2026 Southampton 2-1 Middlesbrough Saints book Wembley play-off final place Tom Rostance 12th May, 2026 Millwall 0-2 Hull City: Belloumi and Gelhardt send Tigers into Championship play-off final Nicholas McGee 11th May, 2026 Middlesbrough 0-0 Southampton: Report, result, highlights from EFL Championship play off semi final as Hellberg says alleged spying is not okay in quest to reach Premier League Ben Miller 9th May, 2026
