Southampton have been thrown out of the play-offs after
admitting they spied on three clubs in the Championship season.
Middlesbrough, beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, have been reinstated and will now play Hull City for a place in the Premier League.
The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions
involving 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.
The independent disciplinary commission also handed
Southampton a four-point deduction in the Championship for next season.
Saints will now miss out on a game dubbed the richest in
world football, with the winners of the play-off final guaranteed a minimum
£110m in Premier League broadcast revenue.
The final will remain on Saturday at Wembley with the
kick-off time to be confirmed.
Southampton 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.
Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Southampton will
lodge an appeal on Wednesday and will argue that the punishment is
disproportionate.
The EFL said it would be "working to try and resolve
any appeal on Wednesday 20 May".
It added that "subject to the outcome, it could result
in a further change to Saturday's fixture".
The appeal will be heard by an Independent League
Arbitration panel with three new members.
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.
"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 did not win any of the three games - they lost
2-1 at Oxford, drew 2-2 at home to Ipswich and claimed a 0-0 draw at Boro.
The statement continued: "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."
Middlesbrough issued a statement which said they
"welcome the outcome".
"We believe this sends out a clear message for the
future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct," it added.
"As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull
City at Wembley on Saturday. Ticket information for our supporters will be
available shortly."
Southampton had already sold tickets for Saturday's game,
and their supporters will receive a full refund.
They must now wait to see if the Football Association issues
any charges for individuals involved in the spying. The EFL can only apply
sanctions against its member clubs.
After a spying case at the 2024 Olympic Games, three members
of Canada's staff, including the head coach, were banned from all football by
Fifa for a year.
