Middlesbrough will face Hull City in Saturday's Championship play-off final after Southampton lost their appeal against expulsion for the 'spygate' scandal. An independent commission imposed the penalty on Tuesday, docking the Saints four points for next season, following admissions of three spying charges, including observing a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the semi-final first leg.
Appeal Rejected
Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons described the sanction as "manifestly disproportionate" compared to any other penalty in English football history. However, the club's appeal was rejected later on Wednesday. An EFL statement confirmed that the original sanction of expulsion from the play-offs remains, along with the four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season.
Play-Off Final Confirmed
The league arbitration panel's decision is final and cannot be appealed. Consequently, the Sky Bet Championship play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough is confirmed for Saturday, May 23, at Wembley Stadium, with a 3:30 PM kick-off. Middlesbrough were reinstated to the play-offs after losing 2-1 to Southampton in extra time at St Mary's, following a 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium.
The Saints' expulsion denies them a shot at promotion to the Premier League, estimated to be worth at least £200 million.
