Southampton’s appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final as a result of the ‘spygate’ scandal has been dismissed.
As a result, Hull City will take on Middlesbrough in Saturday’s play-off final, with the Wembley showpiece kicking off at 3.30pm.
On Tuesday evening, Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs, with Middlesbrough reinstated, after a member of the Saints’ backroom staff was caught watching Boro’s training ahead of the first leg of their play-off semi-final.
According to the EFL, Southampton admitted “multiple breaches” relating to the unauthorised filming of their opponents’ training ahead of games against Oxford and Ipswich, as well as the clash with Middlesbrough.
In addition to their expulsion from Saturday’s final, Southampton were handed a four-point deduction for next season. Reacting to their expulsion, Southampton called the ruling “manifestly disproportionate” to the offence.
The Saints appealed the ruling, but it was dismissed on Wednesday night with no further opportunity of appeal.
An EFL statement read: “A League Arbitration Panel has today dismissed Southampton Football Club’s appeal against the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision in respect of breaches of EFL Regulations.
“As a result, the original sanction remains in force. Southampton’s expulsion from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs stands, alongside the four-point deduction to be applied to the Club’s 2026/27 Championship record and the reprimand in respect of all charges.
“In accordance with EFL Regulations, the decision of the League Arbitration Panel is final. Following the conclusion of the proceedings, the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Hull City and Middlesbrough is confirmed as taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23 May, kicking off at 3.30pm.”
‘Extremely disappointing outcome’ – Southampton statement
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Sky Sports’ Keith Downie explains how the alleged Southampton staff member was caught trying to observe a Middlesbrough training session
Shortly after the announcement, Southampton released a statement saying it was an ‘extremely disappointing outcome’, while also acknowledging it was a painful moment for the club and they would be determined to ‘put things right’.
It read: “Southampton Football Club has this evening been informed that the EFL’s League Arbitration Panel has upheld the sanctions imposed earlier this week. As a result, the club will not participate in Saturday’s Championship Play-Off Final.
“This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this.
“While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. We will share information as soon as possible in relation to ticket refunds for those who bought tickets to Wembley.
“Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.
“While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”
Spygate timeline: How did we get here?
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Sky Sports News has obtained a photo that shows a man outside Middlesbrough’s training ground with a camera
May 7: Middlesbrough make formal complaint to the EFL alleging a Southampton member of staff spied on their training session three days before their Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
May 9: Boro boss Kim Hellberg accuses Southampton of cheating after the first leg ends in a 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium.
May 12: Southampton charged with a breach of EFL regulations in relation to the spying accusations. Southampton request additional time to conduct an internal review.
Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Middlesbrough’s Luke Ayling exchanged words during a heated play-off semi-final second leg between the two sides
The play-off semi-final second leg is played at St Mary’s. Shea Charles’ extra-time winner earns Southampton a 2-1 victory and a place in the Championship play-off final.
Emotional Hellberg hits out at “disgraceful spying”, before Saints boss Tonda Eckert storms out of his press conference after being asked: “Are you a cheat?”
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Southampton’s Tonda Eckert walked away from his press conference early after being asked if he is a ‘cheat’ following the Saints’ ‘spygate’ saga that surrounds their play-off clash with Middlesbrough
May 13: Photos allegedly showing the Southampton analyst near Middlesbrough’s training ground released publicly.
May 14: It is announced the independent hearing to determine Southampton’s fate will take place on or before Tuesday May 19. In a statement, the EFL say “the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture.”
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EFL released a statement that suggests the ‘Spygate’ hearing could lead to ‘changes’ to the Championship Play-Off final
May 15: Middlesbrough publicly call for Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs. In a statement, they said: “In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.”
May 18: Middlesbrough players return to training as the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing nears.
May 19: EFL announces Southampton expelled from play-off final after hearing.
May 20: Southampton appeal hearing but it’s dismissed.
