Southampton has been expelled from the EFL Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough's training session. The decision was made by an independent disciplinary commission on Tuesday.
Middlesbrough will now face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League — a match often described as the most valuable in world football, as the winner secures promotion to the world's richest club league and an estimated £200 million ($268 million) in additional revenue.
Southampton will also be deducted four points at the start of next season after admitting multiple breaches of regulations relating to "the unauthorised filming of another club's training sessions," according to an EFL statement.
The EFL said: "An independent disciplinary commission has today expelled Southampton from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs." Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, confirmed it will appeal the sanctions.
The EFL said parties are working to ensure the appeal can be heard on Wednesday. "Depending on the outcome, this could lead to further changes for Saturday's match," the EFL stressed.
A member of Southampton's coaching staff was caught by Middlesbrough officials filming the hosts' training session with a mobile phone. The EFL confirmed additional charges against Southampton, and the club also admitted to observing training sessions ahead of matches against Oxford and Ipswich.
The first leg finished 0-0 before Southampton won 2-1 after extra time in the second leg. Middlesbrough issued a statement welcoming the commission's outcome: "We believe this sends a clear message for the future of football regarding sporting integrity and standards of conduct."
