Southampton has been removed from the Championship playoff contention after being caught illegally observing their opponents before the semi-final match. This surprising development means they will no longer compete for promotion.
Southampton won against Middlesbrough with a 1-0 aggregate score over two games. Before the match, there were claims that Southampton had someone secretly observe a Middlesbrough practice session.
The South Coast club acknowledged wrongdoing, and as a result, the EFL has removed them from the playoffs. Middlesbrough will take their place in the Championship playoff final, which is happening this weekend.
Southampton are out of Championship playoffs, Middlesbrough take their place
The EFL announced that Southampton has been removed from the Championship Play-Offs. This decision follows the club’s admission of filming opposing teams’ training sessions without permission, violating league regulations. An independent commission made the ruling.
Furthermore, the club will have four points subtracted from their total in the 2026/27 Championship standings.
Today’s decision means Middlesbrough is back in the 2026 Play-Offs and will play Hull City in the Play-Off Final.
I’m absolutely shocked! Southampton has been kicked out of the Championship Play-Offs. Apparently, they admitted to secretly filming other teams’ training sessions, which broke the league’s rules. On top of that, they’re also facing…
— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) May 19, 2026
Middlesbrough spent most of the season in a strong position for automatic promotion, but now have another chance to reach the Premier League through the playoff final. Winning this match would mean promotion and a potential financial boost of around £200 million, according to the BBC.
After learning the results, Middlesbrough Football Club released a statement saying they were pleased with the Disciplinary Commission’s decision.
We want to make it clear that we’re committed to fair play and good sportsmanship in our game going forward.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis will regret his celebration now
In a funny moment, Southampton’s captain, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, celebrated their win against Middlesbrough last week by playfully pretending to look through binoculars.
No surprise to see this from Harwood-Bellis here…
— Jacob Raw (@JacobRaw_MFC) May 14, 2026
The 24-year-old did this right in front of the Middlesbrough team, but it looks like they’re having the final say now.
Southampton has the right to challenge this significant decision, but they’re quickly running out of time to convince the EFL to reconsider, as the playoff final is this Saturday, May 23rd.
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2026-05-19 22:49