Southampton: The FA to launch investigation into south coast club amid 'Spygate' scandal
The FA could charge individuals with bringing the game into disrepute after Southampton were expelled from the Sky Bet Championship play-off final by an independent panel amid the 'Spygate' scandal; during the hearing, the EFL did not have the power to charge individuals
Thursday 21 May 2026 10:35, UK
The FA has confirmed in a statement that it has launched an investigation into Southampton amid the 'Spygate' scandal.
The FA could charge individuals with bringing the game into disrepute.
During the 'Spygate' hearing, the EFL did not have the power to charge individuals, and only had power to charge the clubs.
- How Spygate incident unfolded | EFL & 'Spygate' latest
- Southampton expelled from Championship play-offs
The FA was waiting for the EFL process to run its course before getting involved.
In 2024, Canada women's team coach, her assistant and a team analyst were banned from football for a year by FIFA for using a drone to spy on opponents at Paris Olympics. Canada were also deducted six points.
Individuals - some of whom have already admitted taking part in the spying operation - at Southampton could also face disciplinary action from the club.
Southampton's appeal to be reinstated in the play-offs, following their expulsion following 'Spygate', was dismissed on Wednesday.
Despite arguing that the decision was 'manifestly disproportionate', the original decision has been upheld.
Middlesbrough will now face Hull City in the Championship play-off final on Saturday, with kick-off at 3.30pm.
"We will now investigate, and won't comment further until we have assessed the evidence," a statement from the FA said.
Spygate timeline: How did we get here?
May 7: Middlesbrough make formal complaint to the EFL alleging a Southampton member of staff spied on their training session three days before their Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
May 9: Boro boss Kim Hellberg accuses Southampton of cheating after the first leg ends in a 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium.
May 12: Southampton charged with a breach of EFL regulations in relation to the spying accusations. Southampton request additional time to conduct an internal review.
The play-off semi-final second leg is played at St Mary's. Shea Charles' extra-time winner earns Southampton a 2-1 victory and a place in the Championship play-off final.
Emotional Hellberg hits out at "disgraceful spying", before Saints boss Tonda Eckert storms out of his press conference after being asked: "Are you a cheat?"
May 13: Photos allegedly showing the Southampton analyst near Middlesbrough's training ground released publicly.
May 14: It is announced the independent hearing to determine Southampton's fate will take place on or before Tuesday May 19. In a statement, the EFL say "the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture."
May 15: Middlesbrough publicly call for Southampton's expulsion from the play-offs. In a statement, they said: "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."
May 18: Middlesbrough players return to training as the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing nears.
May 19: EFL announces Southampton expelled from play-off final after hearing.
May 20: Southampton appeal rejected.
May 21: FA confirm they will begin their own investigation into 'Spygate'
