Middlesbrough reinstated to Championship Play-Offs as Southampton removed by Independent Commission
Southampton admitted guilt over spying on Middlesbrough, as well as on Oxford United and Ipswich Town earlier in the season.
Southampton have been thrown out of the Championship Play-Offs, with Middlesbrough reinstated and now set to take on Hull City in the Play-Off Final at Wembley on Saturday.
The decision was issued by an Independent Disciplinary Commission on Tuesday evening, after the Saints admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations, related to spying on other clubs.
The EFL statement reads: “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.”
The Saints have also been given a four-point deduction, to be applied at the start of the 2026/27 Championship season. They do however, have the right to appeal, and already have done, in the hope of having their punishment softened. Whether that bears fruit remains to be seen, but an outcome should be known within 24 hours.
The situation arose when Middlesbrough staff spotted and photographed Southampton analyst intern William Salt filming their training session on Thursday 8 May, less than two days before the two sides were due to meet in the first leg of their Play-Off Semi-Final at the Riverside.
Salt then escaped the premises via the nearby golf club, having refused to identify himself, but Middlesbrough matched his face to a picture on the Southampton website and subsequently reported the incident to the EFL.
The first leg ended goalless, before Southampton won the second leg at St. Mary’s by two goals to one, thanks to a winning strike in extra time from Shea Charles. That result has now essentially been declared null and void, with Boro progressing to the final.
In addition to that, the statement revealed that Middlesbrough were not the only victims of Southampton’s spying during the 2025/26 Championship season, and there is the potential that other clubs may seek compensation, although at present that is yet to be determined. What is more likely, is that the Football Association may investigate any wrongdoing by those who were involved at Southampton, which could incur bans from football.
Boro are now preparing for a trip to Wembley on Saturday, although whilst the appeal takes place (with reports suggesting that Southampton’s boardroom are confident of the punishment being reduced), there is still no absolute certainty as to who will line up against Hull City in the showpiece event.