Southampton have been expelled from this season’s Championship play‑offs after admitting they filmed rivals’ training sessions. The English Football League charged the club with breaching Regulation 3.4 and Regulation 127 for spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough ahead of the semi‑final second leg on 7 May. The Saints’ 2‑1 aggregate win over Middlesbrough is now void. Middlesbrough’s reinstatement restores their chance to contest promotion.

Beyond the loss of a place in the “richest” game in world football, the EFL imposed a four-point deduction for Southampton’s next campaign, meaning the club will start the 2024‑25 Championship season in negative territory. Winners of the final are guaranteed at least £110m in Premier League broadcast revenue, a sum now out of reach for the Saints. The sanction also includes a fine, though the amount was not disclosed.

Middlesbrough have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the Wembley final, while Hull’s preparations shift from a planned opponent to a new challenge with only three days to adjust. Former players and fans have voiced mixed reactions, but the ruling underscores the EFL’s willingness to enforce its integrity rules, leaving Southampton to serve a harsh lesson.