Southampton expelled from play-offs, Middlesbrough to battle Hull for spot in Premier League

[p]A member of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/southampton/WdKOwxDM/"]Southampton[/a]'s staff was spotted filming one of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/middlesbrough/6F0lvLNC/"]Middlesbrough[/a]'s training sessions in the run-up to the play-off semi-final between the two clubs, which Southampton ultimately won.[/p][p]Shortly before it, the Football League (EFL) had already begun an investigation into the allegations and charged Southampton with spying, and they announced afterwards that there was a chance that the final wouldn't go ahead as scheduled while they continued to look into matters.[/p][p]Middlesbrough then formally called for Southampton's expulsion, and in a hearing on Tuesday, they got their request granted, with the EFL expelling Southampton and handing them a four-point deduction for next season.[/p][p]"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," a statement from the league's governing body read.[/p][p]"In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table."[/p][embed guid="35acbc15-f8c8-482e-85e7-74a4ce82afde" url="https://x.com/Flashscorecom/status/2056796827962216736" social-type="twitter" /][p]Middlesbrough will now go up against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/hull-city/S66R0t75/"]Hull[/a] at Wembley with a place in the Premier League on the line.[/p][p]"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," the statement concluded.[/p][p]Boro welcomed the ruling and stated that they'd be ready to contest the final later in the week despite the short notice.[/p][p]"Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing," they said.[/p][p]"We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct.[/p][p]"As a club, we are now focused on our game against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday."[/p][p]As per the EFL, Southampton admitted to multiple breaches in regard to unauthorised filming at the training grounds of Middlesbrough and other opponents ahead of matches.[/p][p]However, they have reportedly already appealed the final verdict, and the EFL haven't ruled out the play-off final being postponed.[/p]