Southampton have been kicked out of the EFL playoffs after they were found guilty of spying on Middlesbrough ahead of their semifinal encounter.
Middlesbrough had reported that a Southampton staff had been found spying on their training ahead of their playoff encounter, which the Saints edged 1-0 on aggregate after both legs.
Southampton had initially advanced to the final, where they were supposed to face Hull City for a place in the Premier League next season. However, they will now be replaced by Middlesbrough in the final and have also been deducted four points for the coming Championship season.
“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”, the EFL statement read.
“Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.”
Southampton were also charged with watching and filming the likes of Oxford United and Ipswich Town as well during the season, which all resulted in their expulsion.
The Saints finished the regular season in fourth position, but will now begin the next season with a four-point deficit as part of their punishment.
Surprisingly, they failed to win any of the three games in which they were accused of spying, losing 2-1 at Oxford and recording draws against Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough.
“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.
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.”
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