Southampton have discovered the outcome of spygate and the fate of the playoff final after an alleged analyst was spotted at at Middlesbrough’s training ground
Southampton have been kicked out of Championship playoff final and given a four point penalty after being found guilty of spying on Middlesbrough.
Hull City will now take on Middlesbrough, who will replace the Saints at Wembley, with the play-off final remaining on schedule for this weekend. The winner will gain a place in next season’s Premier League as Southampton will have another season in The Championship.
Southampton were charged by the EFL for spying on a Middlesbrough training session two days before the first leg of their play-off semi-final.
The club also admitted to other breaches concerning fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025 and Ipswich Town in April 2026.
The supposed spy, allegedly an analyst at Southampton, is said to have parked at the golf club and then walked down a road which leads to a raised area of ground.
Images of him half-hiding behind a tree were shared on social media, with one BBC article alleging Middlesbrough staff believed he was live streaming the session to Saints staff.
He was said to have been approached by Boro staff and would not identify himself. He jogged into the toilets, changed his clothes and hurriedly left the site.
Saints, the following day, were charged with breaching EFL Regulation 3.4 – which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith.
And EFL Regulation 127 – which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.
Saints went onto win the clash and qualify for the play-off final against Hull City. Despite losing the big game, Middlesbrough remained in training while a decision on spygate was made. A decision that seems to have been the right one as Boro are given a second chance to return to the Premier League.
In a statement on the decision, the EFL said: “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.”
Middlesbrough have also spoken of the outcome as they urged their fans that ticket information would be made in due course.
In a post on X, the club said: ” Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing.
“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.”