Southampton removed from the play offs with Middlesbrough set to face Hull for promotion to the Premier League

A Southampton employee was observed recording Middlesbrough training sessions before the play off semi final which Southampton won.

Prior to that the EFL had launched an inquiry into the spying claims and charged the club accordingly. They indicated after the match that the final could be affected as investigations continued.

Middlesbrough demanded that Southampton be removed and this was approved in a Tuesday hearing. The EFL removed them and imposed a four point deduction for the following season.

An Independent Disciplinary Commission expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play Offs today following their admission of several breaches of EFL rules concerning the secret filming of rival clubs training sessions a league statement explained.

In addition the club faces a four point deduction to be subtracted from the 2026 27 Championship standings.

Middlesbrough will now face Hull at Wembley for a chance at Premier League promotion.

The outcome means Middlesbrough return to the 2026 Play Offs and will meet Hull City in the final. The match is still set for Saturday 23 May with the starting time to be announced later the statement added.

Boro accepted the decision and confirmed they would prepare for the final at short notice.

Middlesbrough Football Club accepts the result of the Disciplinary Commission hearing today they remarked.

We feel this decision reinforces the importance of fair play and proper behaviour in football.

The club is now preparing for the encounter with Hull City at Wembley on Saturday.

Southampton acknowledged multiple offenses linked to filming without permission at Middlesbrough and other teams grounds before fixtures as per the EFL.

They have lodged an appeal against the ruling however and the final might yet be delayed the EFL noted.