Southampton 'spygate': Football Association launches investigation after club expelled from Championship play-off final

The Football Association has announced it is investigating Southampton after the club admitted spying on other clubs.

The Saints were expelled from Saturday's play-off final after admitting to spying on other clubs' training sessions during the season, including Middlesbrough, before their play-off semi-final.

Southampton won the game 2-1 on aggregate, going through thanks to a late Shea Charles goal.

"We will now investigate, and won't comment further until we have assessed the evidence," an FA spokesperson said.

It comes after the English Football League (EFL) announced Tuesday that Middlesbrough would play in Saturday's final against Hull because of Southampton's actions.

Southampton appealed against their expulsion but it was dismissed on Wednesday evening.

In a statement, the EFL said: "A League Arbitration Panel has tonight dismissed Southampton Football Club's appeal against the Independent Disciplinary Commission's sanction following the admittance of multiple breaches of EFL Regulations."

It added that this means the original punishment of expulsion and a four-point deduction next season stood.

In response, Southampton said the decision was "extremely disappointing," sticking to their line they thought the punishment was "manifestly disproportionate".

What could the FA do?

The FA could charge individuals with bringing the game into disrepute, according to Sky Sports.

During the 'spygate' hearing, the EFL did not have the power to charge individuals, and only had power to charge the clubs.

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The Championship play-off final is often dubbed football's most lucrative match, reportedly worth £200m.

Boro will play Hull City this Saturday at 3.30pm, with a place in the Premier League on the line.

(c) Sky News 2026: Southampton 'spygate': Football Association launches investigation after