Southampton have officially been expelled from the EFL play-offs, an independent disciplinary commission has announced via the EFL website.
The statement reads: “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.”
Southampton had beat Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final to progress to Wembley last Tuesday.
The Saints will now no longer take part in this and, as the statement reveals, the club will face both immediate punishment (through removal from the play-offs) and long-term punishment through the points deduction that will be applied for next season.
The Lower Tiers’ Southampton Club Correspondent, Alex Comber, reacted to the decision, stating: “As a Saints fan and somebody who covers them often, I’m not in a huge state of shock about this decision, weirdly.
“The club, as in the coaching staff and hierarchy, deserve it – and whoever is culpable should be sacked. The next weeks and months will be interesting, but I’m not sure you’ll find Saints in a good position come the start of 2026/27.”
Focus could now switch towards a reaction from Southampton in the coming hours. Furthermore, with Middlesbrough now through to the Championship play-off final, focus may also switch towards the event to see if Boro can take the final step in promotion to the Premier League.
