Southampton expelled from Championship playoffs, Middlesbrough reinstated to promotion final
NBC Sports • • world
Key Points:
- Southampton have been expelled from the Championship playoffs after admitting to multiple breaches of EFL regulations involving unauthorized filming of other clubs' training sessions during the 2025-26 season.
- Middlesbrough will replace Southampton in the Championship playoff final against Hull City, scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at Wembley.
- Southampton received a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season and a formal reprimand, with the club retaining the right to appeal the decision by May 20.
- The breaches involved unauthorized filming before matches against Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough, violating rules requiring clubs to act with utmost good faith.
- The EFL is consulting with all involved clubs regarding the consequences of the ruling, and a full report from the disciplinary commission will be published in due course.