Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Tue 19 May 2026 19:31, UK

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Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship playoff final, with Middlesbrough now set to play Hull City on Saturday.

The Saints had been accused of spying on Boro’s training session ahead of their first-leg match in the playoff semi-finals.

As a result, an EFL investigation was launched, in which Southampton admitted to watching the training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough prior to their playoff semi-final on 7 May.

On top of this, Tonda Eckert’s side will start the 2026-27 Championship campaign with a four-point deduction after being thrown out of the playoffs.

However, Keith Hackett believes an appeal will now be submitted in the latest twist to Southampton’s spygate saga.

Keith Hackett: No doubt Southampton’s lawyers will be preparing an appeal

Southampton originally reached the playoff final by beating Boro 2-1 on aggregate thanks to a late extra-time winner at St Mary’s.

However, their hopes of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking seem to now be over.

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… pic.twitter.com/VxyXFk48BA

— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) May 19, 2026

Nevertheless, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett has insisted that an appeal will likely be submitted by Southampton.

Upon learning the punishment, he said: “Wow that is amazing and sends a massive message to every professional club about their future behaviour.

“I have no doubt that the lawyers representing Southampton will be reading through the findings and are likely to put in an appeal on behalf of the club.

“I understand that Middlesbrough have kept their players in training, so the rush by spectators will be on.”

When will the Championship playoff final take place?

The Championship playoff final for the 2025-26 campaign is set to take place on Saturday, 23 May 2026.

Hosted at Wembley Stadium, the kick-off is set to remain at 4:30pm despite the recent developments.

A statement from MFC:

Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Commission hearing.

We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct.

As a club, we are now focused on our game against… pic.twitter.com/6cjskjZKDY

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) May 19, 2026

For those fans looking to watch the game, it is still set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event for those with a valid subscription.

Coverage will start at 3pm, ready for the tie as both sides look to return to the Premier League.

However, it remains to be seen if there will be any more twists before Saturday evening ahead of the big game.