Southampton, Middlesbrough, Hull City, EFL
20 May 2026
Southampton lost their appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-offs after admitting multiple spying breaches. The ruling confirms Middlesbrough will replace them against Hull City at Wembley, with promotion to the Premier League still at stake.
An EFL arbitration panel upheld Southampton’s removal, four-point deduction and reprimand, leaving no further route to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The FA could now examine individual responsibility inside the club.