Why are Southampton Expelled From The EFL Championship Playoff?

Last week, Southampton defeated Middlesbrough 2-1 at home to earn a spot in the EFL Championship promotion playoff final.

Southampton were set to play against Hull City at Wembley Stadium for a spot in the Premier League next season. The final is set to be played this Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Southampton's place in the playoff final was in jeopardy after an alleged spy from the club was seen watching and capturing the Middlesbrough training session before the second leg last week.

Middlesbrough complained to the EFL about the alleged spying at their training session, and their players continued training before a decision on Southampton's expulsion was made.

Punishments Southampton Will Face Following Expulsion from EFL Playoff Final

The official EFL Communications department issued a statement that revealed that Southampton will no longer play the playoff final this Saturday and will be replaced by Middlesbrough.

The statement includes details of the reason why they were expelled from the playoff final and reveals another punishment for the club, which will remain in the EFL Championship next season.

EFL: "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. 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."

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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 11:42 AM.