City will now face Boro under the Wembley arch on Saturday afternoon
Tonda Eckert and Southampton have been kicked out of the play-offs(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship play-offs with Hull City now facing Middlesbrough in Saturday’s final at Wembley Stadium.
The South Coast club have been found guilty of multiple breaches of filming other clubs’ training sessions, and they’ve also been hit with a four-point deduction, which will be applied next season.
City’s Championship final with Boro is still scheduled to take place on Saturday, but the kick-off time could now change having originally been scheduled for 4:30pm.
An appeal process is now expected to begin, and that will be heard on Wednesday. Saturday’s final could yet be moved should that process take longer.
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“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,” the EFL said in a statement.
“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.”
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