Southampton have been removed from the Championship play-off final against Hull City at Wembley after the EFL confirmed the club admitted “multiple breaches” of unauthorised filming regulations, with Middlesbrough reinstated in their place
The ‘spygate’ scandal will reach a dramatic conclusion today(Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
Wrexham star Josh Windass has suggested that the Championship play-offs should be replayed from the beginning following Southampton’s ‘spygate’ scandal. The Saints were ejected from the final against Hull City at Wembley after the EFL confirmed the club admitted “multiple breaches” of unauthorised filming.
In an official statement, the footballing body confirmed Southampton had violated regulations requiring clubs to “act with the utmost good faith and prohibit the observation of another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.”
Middlesbrough have now been reinstated to the play-off final and will face Hull on Saturday, 23 May, pending a likely appeal from Southampton which is expected to be resolved today (Wednesday, 20 May). Windass entered the debate, arguing the entire post-season schedule should be restarted from the outset.
The Wrexham forward took to Instagram to share his views: “This Southampton story is one of the maddest I’ve seen. But why isn’t the play offs starting again with the 4 other teams. Boro vs Hull would of been the semi! Confused.”
As it stands, the EFL has confirmed that it is Boro who will travel to Wembley to take on Hull for a place in the Premier League.
Their statement added: “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 (a 2-1 defeat), Ipswich Town in April 2026 (a 2-2 draw) and Middlesbrough in May 2026 (0-0 in the play-off semi-final first leg).”
Southampton are believed to be lodging an appeal against today’s verdict, which could have further consequences for Saturday’s final. Nevertheless, the outcome of any appeal is expected to be decided today.
As things stand, the Championship play-off final is scheduled to kick off at 3:30pm on Saturday and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.