Southampton beat Middlesbrough in a play-off semi-final overshadowed by allegations of spying.
Ryan Manning celebrates Southampton’s play-off victory with teammate Welington(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
The EFL on Tuesday expelled Southampton from Saturday’s Championship Play-Off final against Hull.
The shock ruling – which also sees the Saints docked four points ahead of next season in the Championship – will have huge implications for a number of Ireland internationals.
Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning both lined out in the semi-final win over Middlesbrough, who have now been advanced to the Wembley decider against Hull City.
Gavin Bazunu, who moved on-loan to Stoke City in January, and Will Smallbone, who had a loan spell at Millwall, are also on the books at St Mary’s.
The news caps a miserable few months for Azaz and Manning. It was Manning’s shirt tug that led to the penalty that allowed Czechia back into the World Cup play-off in March, while Azaz missed in the shootout.
It means Boro’s Irish contingent of Alan Browne (on-loan from Sunderland), who also missed from the spot in Prague, Alex Gilbert and Darragh Lenihan get another opportunity to win promotion to the Premier League.
Lenihan made just two appearances for the Teesiders early this season before undergoing ankle surgery.
Southampton won the play-off semi-final 2-1 on aggregate, with Shea Charles’ extra-time goal sealing the win.
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – MAY 09: A Southampton fan gestures prior to the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi Final Second Leg match between Middlesbrough and Southampton at Riverside Stadium on May 09, 2026 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
By then, however, talk of spying on Middlesbrough’s preparations was rife.
And on Tuesday evening, an Independent Disciplinary Commission expelled the Saints from the Play-Offs after the club admitted to “multiple breaches of EFL Regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other Clubs’ training.”
An EFL statement continued: “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.
Southampton fans in camouflage suits attending the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
“The final remains scheduled for Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time to be confirmed.”
Southampton were first charged on Friday May 8, on the eve of the first-leg against Middlesbrough.
Further charges were issued last Sunday “in relation to additional breaches during the 2025/26 season.”
According to the EFL statement: “Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.
A Southampton fan with binoculars ahead of the play-off semi-final second-leg against Middlesbrough(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
“Southampton admitted breaches of Regulations requiring Clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.
“The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026.”
The Saints have “a right to appeal the Commission’s decision in accordance with EFL Regulations.”
It is believed that they will do so – and the EFL wrote that “the parties are working to try and resolve any appeal on Wednesday 20 May.
“Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture.
“The EFL is now in discussion with all three Clubs regarding the implications of today’s decision and will make a further announcement in due course.
“The Commission’s full written reasons will also be published in due course.”