Southampton lose appeal against play-off expulsion

Southampton's appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-off final has been rejected, following a ruling by an EFL independent disciplinary commission on Tuesday. The Saints were thrown out after being found guilty of spying on opponents, violating EFL rules that prohibit clubs from observing rival training sessions within 72 hours of a match. As a result, Middlesbrough — who lost 2-1 on aggregate to Southampton in the semi-finals — have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the play-off final on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with a Premier League place at stake.