Saints expelled from Play Offs by EFL
- Thread starter tomw24
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There's no chance it was only those 3 games, they're just the ones with evidence.
The club in affect won't be destroyed man, it's been around for over 125 years. I'm not proud of the behaviour and everyone thinks we are ****ers but this will pass. Football is shallow and transient.
This definitely increases the amount of players who'll want out too.
I agree.
Expulsion from the final seems extreme but the 4 point deduction seems to be the final insult.
So we spied on other clubs within the 72 hours of games?
I suspect we only spied on clubs that had easy accessible training grounds where you can stand at a fence for example.
I suspect we only spied on clubs that had easy accessible training grounds where you can stand at a fence for example.
I said earlier if we are found guilty we should just accept whatever we get given and then make the right steps to fix it so it doesn't happen again and then try to move forward. Hold their hands up and be honest - they ****ed up royally and take the punishment.
I can't see any point in trying to appeal as they aren't going to be reinstating us to the final and -4 points isn't going to be the reason we don't get promoted next season - it will be what team is left and who's in charge.
I don't think there will be an exodus - players still need someone to come in for them in the first place but I fully expect some players to ask for the chance to leave and this weakens the negotiations for us
As for the owners - everyone can call for their heads but money rules and they won't be moving on any time soon.
I can't see any point in trying to appeal as they aren't going to be reinstating us to the final and -4 points isn't going to be the reason we don't get promoted next season - it will be what team is left and who's in charge.
I don't think there will be an exodus - players still need someone to come in for them in the first place but I fully expect some players to ask for the chance to leave and this weakens the negotiations for us
As for the owners - everyone can call for their heads but money rules and they won't be moving on any time soon.
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.
In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges.
The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.
Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season. Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.
Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.
Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.
The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course.
The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.
In addition, the Club has received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, alongside a reprimand in respect of all the charges.
The effect of today’s order is that Middlesbrough are reinstated into the 2026 Play-Offs and will proceed to the Play-Off Final against Hull City. The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.
Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season. Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.
Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.
Southampton has a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations and the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May. Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.
The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course.
The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.
A one of the more measured posters on here and not susceptible to knee jerk reactions I will say this.
**** you Sports Republic, get out of our club. Everyone of you for the top to the bottom **** off.
**** you Sports Republic, get out of our club. Everyone of you for the top to the bottom **** off.
This is effectively punishing the supporters and the players, the real perpetrators will get away with it, i.e. SR. No mention of a fine yet.
We are essentially being given a potential £200 million fine for filming some training sessions. It would be one of the biggest punishments in footballing history. I don't care if they sack Tonda and the staff tomorrow and we play at Wembley with the cleaner in charge, the punishment isn't proportional.
So the appeal will be heard and sorted tomorrow? Sounds unlikely, be funny if they reinstate us though
Am I missing something with the people blaming SR for this. Is it not the coaching staff who should be getting the blame here. Doubt the higher up members sanctioned or knew about this.... Ridiculous punishment mind you
It 100% goes deeper than those games. The EFL are keeping it quiet though. Why would we spy on Oxford and Ipswich but not Wrexham or Derby?
We have, but if that's the case it totally ****s their play off final. Wouldn't want that would we.
Definitely just the other 2 teams who it wouldn't make a league place, case closed