Southampton Expelled from Championship Playoff for Spying

The English Football League (EFL) has expelled Southampton from the Championship playoff final after the club admitted to spying on a training session of semifinal opponents Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough have been reinstated as a result of Tuesday’s decision and will now face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League, English football’s top division.

The match is widely regarded as the most lucrative in world football, as the winner earns promotion to the Premier League — the richest club competition globally — along with an estimated 200 million British pounds ($268 million) in additional revenue.

Southampton will also be docked four points next season after admitting to multiple breaches of regulations related to the “unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training” sessions, according to a statement from the EFL.

“An independent disciplinary commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs,” the EFL said.

Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, confirmed they would appeal the sanctions.

The EFL said the parties were working to ensure an appeal could be heard on Wednesday.

“Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture,” the EFL added.

A member of Southampton’s coaching staff was caught by Middlesbrough officials recording training on his phone.

The EFL confirmed further charges had been brought against Southampton, and the club also admitted to observing training sessions ahead of matches against Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

The first leg of the semifinal ended 0-0 before Southampton progressed with a 2-1 win after extra time in the second leg.

Middlesbrough issued a statement welcoming the outcome of the disciplinary commission hearing.

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