Unprecedented case: 'Southampton' club expelled from 'Championship' final for spying

2026-05-19 21:54 © IMAGO/Every Second Media

"Championship” playoffs final, where teams are fighting for a place in the "Premier” league, will no longer see Southampton team.

The independent disciplinary committee has decided to expel Southampton from the "Championship” final, where the team was supposed to meet Hull City. This Saturday, the match between these teams was supposed to take place.

This decision was made after "saints” admitted to having spied on their opponents before mutual meetings.

Southampton admitted to spying before matches against Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough. The match against the latter ended in a draw, while the first match was a loss.

In the playoffs semifinals, Southampton defeated Middlesbrough, who now claimed a place in the final for entry into the "Premier” league.

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 unauthorized filming of other Clubs’ training.

In addition, the Club has received a… pic.twitter.com/VxyXFk48BA

— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) May 19, 2026