Spygate: Middlesbrough say Southampton being expelled from Championship play-off final is 'only appropriate response'
Middlesbrough call for 'only appropriate response' of expelling Southampton from play-off final; Wembley showpiece currently scheduled for Saturday May 23; Boro won't be permitted to participate in Spygate hearing
Friday 15 May 2026 15:54, UK
Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be thrown out of the Championship play-off final, describing their ejection as 'the only appropriate response' to the ongoing Spygate scandal.
Southampton, who beat Boro 2-1 in their play-off semi-final, have been charged with breaching EFL regulations after Middlesbrough complained that a member of Southampton's staff spied on one of their training sessions.
On Friday, Middlesbrough said the accusation of spying "goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final."
As it stands, Southampton are scheduled to meet Hull City at Wembley on Saturday May 23 in the final.
But the EFL confirmed on Thursday that the date of the final may change as a result of the ongoing investigation. An independent hearing to determine Southampton's fate will take place on or before Tuesday May 19.
Middlesbrough will not be permitted to participate in the hearing.
"The club regrets that outcome given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact," said Boro.
Sky Sports News has obtained a photo that shows a man outside Middlesbrough's training ground with a camera.
Sky Sports News has chosen to blur the face of the man in the picture. Southampton declined to comment when asked about the photo.
Middlesbrough's statement in full
In their statement, Middlesbrough said:
'Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.
'The club regrets that outcome given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.
'The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.
'We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.'
- Got Sky? Watch the EFL play-offs on the Sky Sports app
- Not got Sky? Stream the EFL play-offs with no contract
Could the play-off final date move?
That independent commission will meet on or before next Tuesday to determine what will happen to the Saints, who are set to meet Hull City at Wembley on Saturday May 23, with the kick-off now scheduled at 4.30pm.
However, the EFL has revealed contingency plans for a change to the final proceedings are in place "should they be required" - including if an appeal process to the hearing takes place.
- Championship play-off final may be delayed by 'Spygate' hearing
- Emotional Boro boss Hellberg hits out at 'disgraceful spying'
- Report & highlights: Southampton 2-1 Middlesbrough - Agg 2-1 (AET)
The exact date and time of the initial independent hearing is yet to be determined.
In a statement, the EFL said: "As the proceedings are being conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, the EFL does not control the proposed timetable.
"Notwithstanding this, the EFL continues to plan on the basis that the Championship play-off final will take place as scheduled on Saturday May 23, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm.
"Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture. The EFL has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required."
