Middlesbrough have been reinstated into the EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley after Southampton were expelled for breaching ‘multiple’ EFL rules in the Spygate scandal
He was attacked after Coventry City played Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium(Image: PA)
Middlesbrough have expressed their delight following the EFL’s decision to expel Southampton from this weekend’s Championship play-off final, with Boro reinstated in their place.
An independent panel found Southampton guilty of breaching ‘multiple’ EFL rules after they were caught spying on Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg a fortnight ago.
The hearing ruled that Southampton would be removed from Saturday’s final, with Kim Hellberg’s side set to face Hull City at Wembley this weekend instead.
Understandably, Boro are thrilled with the outcome, and released an official statement this evening.
The statement reads: “Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing.”, reports Teesside Live.
“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.”
Boro supporters can now look forward to a trip to Wembley and the prospect of top-flight football next season, should they overcome Hull City in the capital.
Explaining the ruling, an EFL statement read: “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.”