Need to know
City look set to have fresh opponents in the final at Wembley
Southampton skipper Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks dejected(Image: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock)
Southampton were sensationally kicked out of the Championship play-offs on Tuesday evening, with just over three days to go until the final at Wembley against Hull City this weekend.
The South Coast club were found guilty of multiple breaches at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, and because of that, beaten semi-finalists Middlesbrough were reinstated.
As it stands, pending an appeal, Boro will now take Southampton’s place and take on Hull City at Wembley on Saturday..
Here’s a round-up of everything we know so far….
What did the EFL say?
The EFL have confirmed that Southampton have been kicked out after admitting multiple breaches of spying, including in games against Oxford United and Ipswich Town. They lost at Oxford and drew at home to Ipswich.
Here’s their statement in full…
“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.”
Have Southampton said anything?
Not yet in an official capacity at the time of writing, but it’s believed the South Coast club have already launched their appeal against the severity of the sanction. That appeal is set to be heard on Wednesday. Given the seriousness of the charges, head coach Tonda Eckert’s position is under serious threat.
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Did Southampton admit guilt?
Yes. They admitted to spying. They are appealing the punishment, not the guilty verdict. Southampton admitted to spying on Boro’s training session before the play-off semi-final, but they also admitted to spying on Oxford and Ipswich ahead of games against them too, after new evidence came to light.
What does it mean for the Tigers?
At the moment, they crack on as they have done. They’ll now pivot and prepare to face Middlesbrough on Saturday instead of Southampton.
Sergej Jakirovic and his coaching staff had a plan of attack should anything change, and that will now be activated with attention turning to planning for Boro when the players return to training on Thursday.
It’s expected that at this stage the game will still take place on Saturday, but the EFL have explained that the kick-off time could now be moved. That has to be a consideration with both sets of supporters travelling down from the north.
As Hull Live first reported last week, a new date for the game could yet be found, with next Tuesday and/or Wednesday as potential reserve dates. Manchester United’s Old Trafford has also been mooted as a potential reserve venue if Wembley is not available, should the process drag on even longer, though it’s hoped a resolution will come quickly.
Have City spoken?
Not on the record, yet, though we are expecting the club to put something out in due course, once they’ve been able to speak to the EFL and get their own house in order.
What have Boro said?
“Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing,” the club said in a statement. “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.”
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