Southampton lose appeal against play-off expulsion

Southampton's appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final due to a spying incident has been denied.

The play-off final will proceed on Saturday with Hull City facing Middlesbrough at 15:30 BST, with the victor earning promotion to the Premier League.

On Tuesday evening, an independent disciplinary commission from the EFL decided to expel Southampton from the play-offs and reinstated Middlesbrough, who had previously been eliminated after a 2-1 aggregate loss to the Saints in the semi-finals.

"A league arbitration panel has tonight dismissed Southampton Football Club's appeal against the independent disciplinary commission's sanction following the admittance of multiple breaches of EFL regulations," the EFL announced on Wednesday.

"This determination confirms that the original punishment of expulsion from the Championship play-offs remains effective, along with the implementation of a four-point deduction to the 2026-27 Championship table and a reprimand regarding all relevant charges."

The ruling is conclusive, precluding any further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In response to the decision, Southampton characterized it as "an extremely disappointing outcome."

They stated, "While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently maintained that the initial sporting sanction was disproportionate, a sentiment echoed by many within the football community over the past 24 hours.

"Although tonight is a challenging moment, this football club is committed to responding with humility, accountability, and determination to rectify the situation."

Conversely, Hull City expressed dissatisfaction over having to prepare for a different opponent with little notice, with owner Acun Ilicali indicating that the club might pursue legal action should they lose the final.