Southampton have been expelled from the Championships playoffs after admitting “multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorized filming of other clubs’ training” and Middlesbrough will replace them in the Championship playoff final against Hull City on Saturday.
Per a statement released by the English Football League, Southampton have also received a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season.
Southampton responded with a statement of their own, acknowledging wrongdoing but questioning the severity of the punishment as they appealed the decision. Their appeal took place on Wednesday 20 May and it was unsuccessful.
The FA have also announced that they have opened an investigation into the matter.
Southampton are out of the Championship playoff final, the richest game in sports, and Middlesbrough will take their place against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday, May 23.
Southampton lose appeal, club releases statement
“We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologize once again to everyone impacted by this.
“The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly. While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”
The damage to Southampton’s reputation will take a long time to repair
This is one of the most shocking stories in the history of English football, as Southampton have admitted to spying on three occasions on other teams during the 2025-26 season.
That admission ment their appeal was never likely to be successful and this will stick with the club for decades, at least, as they have been sanctioned in the harshest way possible. And the individuals involved could be handed lengthy bans as the FA investigation continues.
After an incredible 21-game unbeaten run in the Championship from mid-January, Southampton won the hearts of so many neutrals as they also went on a fairytale run to the FA Cup semifinals at the same time, beating Arsenal in the quarterfinals and then losing narrowly to Manchester City in the semifinal at Wembley.
Now all of that goodwill has vanished and they will be ridiculed for years to come. Simply put, Southampton’s fans and players deserve better than the actions of those who committed these offenses.
EFL statement on Southampton being expelled from playoffs
“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, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges.
“The effect of today’s 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.
“Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season. Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.
“Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations 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 admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.
“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.
“The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course. The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.”
Southampton statement on their punishment and appeal
from southampton fc.com
“We have appealed yesterday’s decision by the Independent Disciplinary Commission to expel Southampton Football Club from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs, and to impose a four-point deduction for the 2026/27 season. Before turning to that appeal, I want to address our supporters, our players, and the wider football community directly and without equivocation.
“What happened was wrong. The club has admitted breaches of EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127. We are sorry to the other clubs involved, and most of all to the Southampton supporters whose extraordinary loyalty and support this season deserved better from the club.
“We have provided our full co-operation to the EFL’s investigation and disciplinary process. Following the appeal, we will also be writing to the EFL to volunteer our participation in a working group on the practical application and enforcement of Regulation 127 across the Championship. Contrition without change is hollow, and we intend to demonstrate change.
“On the appeal itself: we accept that there should be a sanction. What we cannot accept is a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence. Whereas Leeds United was fined £200,000 for a similar offence, Southampton has been denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200 million and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters.
“We believe the financial consequence of yesterday’s ruling makes it, by a very considerable distance, the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club. Luton Town’s 30-point deduction in 2008/09 — to date the most severe sporting sanction in the English game — was levied against a club already in League Two, with no comparable revenue at stake. Derby County’s 21-point deduction in 2021 cost them their Championship status. Everton’s eventual six-point deduction in 2023/24 followed losses of £124.5 million, a figure dwarfed by what has been taken from Southampton in a single afternoon. The largest financial penalty ever levied by the Premier League, against Chelsea in March of this year, was £10.75 million, and was accompanied by no sporting sanction whatsoever despite involving £47.5 million in undisclosed payments over seven years.
“We say this not to minimise what occurred at this club, which we have accepted was wrong. We say it because proportionality is itself a principle of natural justice. The Commission was entitled to impose a sanction. It was not, we will argue, entitled to impose one that is manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game.
“Our appeal will be heard today, and we will provide a further update in due course.”
