Southampton FC has lost its appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-offs. The club admitted spying on rival teams’ training sessions.
The ruling confirms Saturday’s play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough FC will go ahead. The match decides which team gains promotion to the Premier League.
An independent disciplinary commission earlier expelled Southampton from the play-offs. It reinstated Middlesbrough, who lost the semi-final 2-1 on aggregate to Southampton.
The English Football League (EFL) confirmed the appeal dismissal on Wednesday, May 20. The league issued a statement explaining the decision.
“A league arbitration panel has tonight dismissed Southampton Football Club’s appeal,” the EFL said. “The original sanction of expulsion remains in place.”
The sanction also includes a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 Championship season. The club also received a reprimand for all charges.
The verdict ends the case. There is no further right to appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Southampton described the outcome as “extremely disappointing.” The club issued a detailed response.
“We fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter,” the club said. “We believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate. Many in the football community shared that view.”
The club added: “Tonight is a painful moment. We will respond with humility, accountability, and determination to put things right.”
Midfielder Leo Scienza admitted the decision left players devastated. He posted on Instagram about his feelings.
“Disappointment, anger, sadness,” Scienza wrote. “It’s hard to find the right words for what we feel. The past days have been heartbreaking for the club, players, and supporters.”
He added: “We gave everything for this dream. The dream of playing in the Premier League was something I fought for with everything I had. That’s why this pain cuts so deep.”
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