Southampton booted from Championship play-offs for ‘Spygate’

Saints were initially accused of breaching EFL rules in the build-up to their play-off semi-final fixtures against Middlesbrough after a member of the Southampton staff was caught filming at Boro’s training facilities.

Following an independent commission looking into the allegations of spying, Saints admitted breaches relating to three Championship clubs: Oxford United last December, Ipswich Town in April, and Boro this May.

The club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table.

Tonda Eckert’s side had beaten the Teesiders 1-0 on aggregate over two legs to reach the second tier play-off final.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

EFL rules prohibit clubs from filming opposition training sessions within 72 hours of a match.

A statement said: “An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs after the club admitted multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training sessions.

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“In addition, Saints have received a four-point deduction to be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all charges.

“”The effect of today’s ruling is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 play-offs and will now face Hull City in the play-off final.

“The final remains scheduled for Saturday, May 23, with the kick-off time yet to be confirmed.

“Southampton were first charged on Friday, May 8, with further charges issued on Sunday, May 17, relating to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season.

“Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were launched.

Oxford United’s Will Lankshear wrestles Southampton’s Cameron Archer for the ball (Image: Oxford United)

“Saints 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 concerned fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.”

The match against Oxford in which Saints have admitted spying ended in a surprise 2-1 win for the U’s on Boxing Day.

Stan Mills thumbs up to the crowd after Oxford beat Southampton (Image: Mike Allen)

United had sacked former head coach Gary Rowett three days prior and were under the caretaker leadership of coach Craig Short.

Tyler Goodrham scored after 22 minutes to open the scoring that day before Taylor Harwood-Bellis equalised for the visitors six minutes later.

Stan Mills bagged the late winner on the 88-minute mark to win the match.

It is yet to be seen as to how the finding regarding Saints could affect the Yellows.

The Oxford Mail approached the club and were told they would not be commenting on anything at this point in time.