A League Arbitration Panel has today dismissed Southampton Football Club’s appeal against the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision in respect of breaches of EFL Regulations.
As a result, the original sanction remains in force. Southampton’s expulsion from the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs stands, alongside the four-point deduction to be applied to the Club’s 2026/27 Championship record and the reprimand in respect of all charges. In accordance with EFL Regulations, the decision of the League Arbitration Panel is final.
Following the conclusion of the proceedings, the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Hull City and Middlesbrough is confirmed as taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 23 May, kicking off at 3.30pm.
#EFL
🚨 Exclusive: #hcafc consider legal action of their own in Spygate saga.
Hull feel like 'collateral damage' in row.
Sporting director Jared Dublin told @TheiPaperSport earlier club would 'seek legal guidance' if fixture changed. Read 👇
https://t.co/1FBD0Qhbge
Utter and complete shambles, all Southamptons doing, their own fans affected too
Boro now have to scramble to get tickets on sale, their fans to try and sort travel and hotels (which #hcafc and Soton fans will have booked)
While waiting for an appeal which could change it again
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.
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.
📘 https://t.co/kGIhl4GksL
EFL confirm the play-off final will go ahead at 4:30pm on Saturday. Hull City vs Southampton, as it stands, but say it could yet move. Disciplinary hearing on Tuesday of next week. What a mess. #hcafc
@will_tyerman@Scottwilsonecho Oh I absolutely agree in regards of getting the actual tickets on sale.
It's just leaving our side in limbo the way it's currently going (from the EFL side) and I can only imagine how frustrated the club is
All options are on the table, and that does include the final against Southampton (as it stands) being moved from next Saturday. Wild situation, and fast-moving. #hcafc