Draconian punishment — Southampton thrown out of PL playoff final over spying scandal

Southampton have been removed from the Championship playoff final picture after being found guilty of spying on several opponents during the 2025–26 campaign.

As a result, the English Football League (EFL) has imposed an extra four-point deduction on the club ahead of the next season.

Middlesbrough, who were eliminated by Southampton in the playoff semifinal, have now been reinstated and will meet Hull City on Saturday with a place in the Premier League at stake. The final remains set for May 23, although it could still be postponed further if Southampton choose to appeal the ruling.

Initially, the EFL charged Southampton over allegations that they monitored Middlesbrough ahead of the first leg of their semifinal tie. However, on May 17, the governing body issued additional charges linked to further incidents during the 2025–26 season, including matches against Oxford United in December 2025 and Ipswich in April 2026.

Saints in danger of being thrown out of the promotion final

Southampton accepted that they had breached rules “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 EFL also stated that “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.”

Southampton have confirmed to the Press Association that they intend to appeal the decision. The league added that efforts are underway to ensure the appeal can be heard on Wednesday, with the possibility that the final schedule could still be altered depending on the outcome.