Southampton expelled from Championship play-off final with Middlesbrough reinstated

The EFL have confirmed that Middlesbrough will take Southampton's place in the Championship play-off final after the Saints admitted to breaching regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training.

After drawing 0-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday 9th May, Tonda Eckert's side emerged as 2-1 winners against Middlesbrough in the return play-off semi-final leg, with Shea Charles' extra-time winner seeing them over the line.

In between the two legs, speculation surfaced that Southampton had sent a club official to Boro's training ground, Rockliffe Park, before the opening contest at Riverside. It's since been revealed that admitted breaches concern more than just Boro, with the Saints targetting other Championship sides earlier in the 2025/26 campaign.

Southampton were set to travel to Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23rd May to face Hull City in the Championship play-off final, with promotion to the Premier League on the line, but Kim Hellberg's side will now take their place, while the date is expected to remain unchanged.

Addition punishment will see the Saints deducted four points in the 2026/27 Championship season.

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."

The statement later added that the "admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026", "first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season".

"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."