Southampton were removed from the play-offs after admitting multiple breaches of EFL rules involving unauthorized filming of other clubs’ training sessions. The EFL charged Southampton with watching training at Oxford United and Ipswich Town, and filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of the play-off semi-final on 7 May. Southampton received a four-point deduction in the Championship for next season and a reprimand covering all charges. Middlesbrough, previously beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, were reinstated and will play Hull City for a place in the Premier League. The play-off final remains at Wembley, with the kick-off time to be confirmed. The admitted breaches related to fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026.
"Southampton have been thrown out of the play-offs after admitting they spied on three clubs in the Championship season. The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on 7 May. Southampton have also received a four-point deduction in the Championship for next season."
"Southampton had admitted to "multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs' training", the EFL said. The club have also received a reprimand in respect of all the charges. The EFL said in a statement: "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.""
""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.""
"It was the morning of Thursday, 7 May. Middlesbrough were at their Rockliffe Park training base preparing for the game against Southampton 48 hours later. The spy, a Southampton analyst, is said to have parked at the golf club, then walked a couple of hundred yards down a road which leads to a raised area of ground. Sources told the BBC that the accused simply stood pointing his mobile at the training session, while wearing in-ear headphone"
Read at www.bbc.com
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