Southampton Expelled From Playoff Final For Spying; Middlesbrough Reinstated

Middlesbrough Restored to Playoff Final After Southampton Spying Admission

Southampton has been expelled from the Championship playoffs after admitting repeated breaches of league rules involving unauthorized filming of opponents. The English Football League reinstated Middlesbrough to contest the final against Hull City at Wembley.

The south coast club was charged this month for filming Middlesbrough training sessions before the semifinal tie, which it won. Southampton later acknowledged further breaches this season against Oxford United and Ipswich.

The winner of the final earns promotion to the Premier League. The league imposed a four-point deduction on Southampton for next season.

Southampton retains the right to appeal the expulsion and related sanctions.