Southampton have been unexpectedly eliminated from the Championship play-off final against Hull City.

The verdict was taken following a hearing before an independent disciplinary tribunal after the Saints were charged with violating EFL regulations on many occasions this season.

Middlesbrough, who were defeated by Saints in the semi-finals last week, will now play in Saturday’s Wembley Cup final. A kick-off time has yet to be announced.

Saints will also face a four-point deduction in the Championship 2026/27 season.

Southampton was punished by the EFL

for allegedly photographing a Middlesbrough training session at their facilities within 72 hours before the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

It was believed that the Saints dispatched intern Will Salt to discreetly videotape Boro’s training.

Clubs are barred from ‘observing, or attempting to watch’ another team’s training session within 72 hours before a planned encounter between the two teams, according to EFL regulations.

Despite Southampton’s 2-1 victory over the two legs, Boro’s players continued to practice in the event that they replaced the Saints in the play-off final, where they will face Hull City.

The game is frequently termed ‘the richest match in football’, owing to the financial windfall that follows with victory.

EFL statement

Announcing the seismic news, the EFL said: “An Independent Disciplinary Commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs after the club admitted to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training.

“The club has received a four-point reduction from the 2026/27 Championship table and a reprimand for all accusations.As a result of today’s order, Middlesbrough has been reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will face Hull City in the Play-Off Final. The final is still slated for Saturday, May 23, with the kickoff time to be determined.

“Southampton was first charged on Friday, May 8, with additional charges issued on Sunday, May 17, in connection with additional breaches during the 2025/26 season.” Middlesbrough faced further charges after the initial proceedings were begun.Southampton acknowledged to violating regulations that require clubs to act in good faith and prevent seeing another club’s training session within 72 hours before a scheduled match.The admitted breaches relate to fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026.Southampton has the right to challenge the Commission’s judgment in accordance with EFL regulations, and the parties are trying to resolve any appeals by Wednesday, May 20. The outcome may affect Saturday’s fixture.The EFL is currently discussing the impact of today’s judgment with all three teams and will provide an update soon.The Commission’s full written reasons will be published in due time.

How much do teams get for winning the play-off final?

Winning the play-off final guarantees the victor a berth in the Premier League next season, as well as a cool £220 million.

The eye-watering nine-figure number is due to the Premier League’s new television deal, which is worth at least £220 million.

Sunderland were the first to benefit from the increased figure, which had previously been £170 million, when they defeated Sheffield United in the play-off final last season.

The winner of Saturday’s game will join Coventry City and Ipswich Town as the three teams promoted from the Championship.