Southampton thrown out of play-offs over spying scandal
- Published
Southampton have been kicked out of Saturday's Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on rivals Middlesborough.
An investigation began after someone thought to be a Southampton staff member, was spotted pointing his mobile phone at a Middlesborough training session two days before their play-off tie.
Southampton went on to beat Middlesborough in the semi-final, and were due to play Hull City for a place in the Premier League this weekend.
But after Southampton admitted to cheating, the English Football League (EFL) decided that Middlesborough will now get Southampton's spot in the play-off.
Southampton beat Middlesborough - but now Middlesborough have been given place in the play-off against Hull City on Saturday
Southampton's appeal against the decision was rejected on Wednesday which means they'll be playing in the Championship next season, as they won't be able to compete for a place in the Premier League in Saturday's game.
The team will also be given a four-point deduction for next season.
Missing out on a place in the play-off will also have financial consequences, with the winners guaranteed a minimum £110m in Premier League broadcast revenue.
Southampton called the ruling "an extremely disappointing outcome", but said the "football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right".
Hull City aren't happy that they'll be facing a different opponent in the play-offs
It seems Hull City are also unhappy at being told they will have to play a different team than they expected at such short notice.
The club's owner Acun Ilicali has even suggested that the club could take legal action if they lose the final.
Ilicali told Sky Sports he was not happy with the situation, but there was no other option "in order to finish this mess".
Southampton have no further right to appeal against the decision
Football issues correspondent Dale Johnson has said the decision to throw Southampton out of the play-offs was unexpected, as the last time a club was accused of spying they had to pay a £200,000 fine.
But the difference is, that incident took place seven years ago and when there were no specific rules against spying on an opponent before a game.
Since then the EFL has brought in a rule to say opponents aren't allowed to watch each other play for three days before they play each other - which Southampton have broken.
Southampton have also been found guilty of filming training sessions involving Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April.
