Middlesbrough call for Southampton to be thrown out of Championship play-offs

By Jamie Gardner, Press Association Chief Sports Reporter

Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be kicked out of the Championship play-offs over spying allegations.

The Saints were charged by the EFL last Friday with observing a training session at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park complex, two days before the sides met in a play-off semi-final first leg.

Middlesbrough confirmed on Friday they had sought to be a party in the independent commission hearing but were denied the opportunity.

A statement from the club.

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) May 15, 2026

“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,” a statement from the Teesside club read.

“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.”