Southampton expelled from Championship play-offs for spying on Middlesbrough
Summary
Southampton has been kicked out of the Championship play-offs and given a four-point penalty for spying on other teams' training sessions during the 2025-26 season. Middlesbrough, who were eliminated by Southampton, have been allowed back into the play-offs and will face Hull City.Key Facts
- Southampton admitted to spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough's training sessions.
- The spying involved filming or watching training sessions without permission.
- The spying on Middlesbrough happened two days before their play-off semi-final first leg against Southampton on May 7, 2026.
- Southampton broke EFL rules that require clubs to act honestly and forbid watching another team's training within 72 hours before a match.
- A Southampton analyst was caught on video streaming Middlesbrough's training live using a mobile phone.
- Middlesbrough reported the spying to the English Football League (EFL), which charged Southampton with the violations.
- Southampton was expelled from the play-offs and given a four-point deduction for the next season.
- Middlesbrough were reinstated to continue in the play-offs and play against Hull City for a Premier League spot.
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