Comprehensive news text on Southampton's expulsion from the Championship play-off final due to their involvement in the Spygate scandal, involving spying on Middlesbrough and other rivals. Includes details of other teams suspected of being spied on by Southampton and EFL punishment.
Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on Middlesbrough and two other rivals. In a sensational development to the Spygate scandal, broken exclusively by Daily Mail Sport, an independent disciplinary commission has removed Tonda Eckert’s side from Saturday’s £200million Wembley final.
The club has also been hit with a four-point deduction ahead of next season. An appeal will be heard by an independent arbitration panel on Wednesday. Middlesbrough, who raised a complaint when their training was spied on 48 hours before the play-off semi-final first leg, are set to take their place in the final against Hull City.
Daily Mail Sport revealed on May 7 that a Southampton first-team analyst was confronted by Boro staff after he was spotted hiding behind a tree at their Rockliffe Park base. He then ran into a nearby golf club, changed clothes in the toilet and fled the area. The EFL charged Saints with a breach of their rules, which prohibit clubs from observing opposition training.
We later revealed a picture of Southampton intern William Salt filming Boro’s training on his iPhone and exposed his close connection to head coach Tonda Eckert. The Saints boss, technical director Johannes Spors and Salt will now likely face FA disciplinary action and the admission of guilt raises serious doubt over their futures. At a hearing on Tuesday, the south coast club admitted to spying on Middlesbrough, Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April.
It is believed that text messages between Southampton employees provided incriminating evidence of systemic espionage. Eckert was appointed in November. Southampton did not comment when asked if the German would be the subject of internal disciplinary action.
Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-off final over the Spygate scandal A Southampton analyst hiding behind a tree to spy on Middlesbrough's training session After our story broke on May 7, a whistleblower reached out to Middlesbrough amid suspicion they were not the only victims. Boro spoke with several Championship clubs who also believed their sessions had been spied on by Southampton.
One of them, Oxford, sacked their manager on December 15 and suspected that training, taken by a caretaker coach, was observed before their game against Southampton on Boxing Day. Oxford won 2-1. Wrexham, who missed out on the play-offs by one place, are now observing developments. They could have a case for a compensation claim against Southampton.
Middlesbrough, beaten by Saints in last week’s semi-final second leg, returned to training this week in the hope of being reinstated to the final. Led by chairman Steve Gibson, they had called for their opponents to be kicked out of the competition for cheating.
Following Tuesday’s hearing, the EFL said in a statement: ‘An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training.
‘In addition, the club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges. The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 play-offs and will proceed to the play-off final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.
‘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.
Middlesbrough will now face Hull City in the play-off final, subject to an appeal Read MoreEXCLUSIVE The moment Southampton spy is caught in the act: Exclusive bombshell photo reveals new key details ‘Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.
‘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. ’ Wrexham, who were hammered 5-1 at home by Southampton, 21 days before the Ipswich game which Saints admitted spying for, indicated on Tuesday night that they are awaiting the full written findings of the EFL's independent disciplinary commission before deciding if they might take any steps.
The Welsh club, who finished two points outside the play-offs, are among many Championships side who consider action from Ipswich and Oxford United, who Saints admitted spying on, most likely. A points deduction based upon games Southampton spied on could have seen Wrexham leapfrog Southampton, who finished nine points above them. A spokesman said: 'We look forward to receiving the full details of the decision. '
Southampton Expelled Championship Play-Off Final Spy Middlesbrough Spy Scandal Spygate EFL Regulations Further Charges Additional Breaches Good Faith Training Session Observation Quick Response Additional Matter Middlesbrough In May 2026 Focus On Form During This Time
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