Middlesbrough calls for permanent ban from Southampton play-offs over spy row

Middlesbrough on Friday demanded Southampton be kicked out of the Championship play-off final after accusing its rival of secretly filming the training session ahead of the play-off semi-final.

Middlesbrough expressed frustration after being excluded from disciplinary proceedings launched by the English Football League against Southampton, saying it has “relevant factual evidence” about the alleged spying incident.

The final, dubbed the “richest match in football” because of the huge financial rewards that come with playing in England’s top flight, will be played at Wembley Stadium.

Southampton were charged by the EFL last week after Middlesbrough complained about unauthorized filming at the training ground.

Southampton CEO Phil Parsons said on Tuesday the club was cooperating fully while carrying out an internal review to ensure all facts and context were properly understood.

Southampton will play Hull City on May 23 for a place in the Premier League after beating Middlesbrough 2-1 in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.

“The conduct in question, namely observing and recording our training session ahead of a match of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition,” Middlesbrough said in a statement.

“In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction that would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the play-off final of the EFL Championship.

“We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will impose such a sanction at the Disciplinary Committee in order to protect the integrity of the game, protect all member clubs and discourage any future attempt to gain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuing promotion to the Premier League.”

Middlesbrough also said it would take legal action if necessary.

On Thursday, the EFL said it was continuing to make plans for the final on May 23, but warned supporters this could change based on the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, which will take place on or before May 19.

“As the procedure is conducted by an independent disciplinary committee, the EFL has no control over the proposed timetable,” the report said.

“The EFL has a number of contingency plans in place should these be required, which also includes considering any appeals if necessary.”

Earlier on Friday, Southampton said it had received 35,984 tickets for Wembley and had already started selling them to supporters.

Published on May 15, 2026