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Southampton was charged by the EFL with spying on three clubs throughout the 2025-2026 season, including ahead of its play-off semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough. 

Tonda Eckert's side also admitted to watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town during the regular Championship season. 

In addition, the Saints have been handed a four-point deduction, which will come into effect next season.

Southampton has a right to appeal and said it would do so in the "strongest possible terms".

The EFL hopes to resolve the appeal process on Wednesday, though plans are in place to change the date of the play-off final, which will take place at Wembley Stadium, if required. 

If the ruling stands, Middlesbrough, beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Southampton, will be reinstated and face Hull City for a spot in the Premier League.

"Southampton was first charged on Friday 8 May, with further charges issued on Sunday 17 May in relation to additional breaches during the 2025-26 season," the statement from the EFL read. 

"Those additional charges arose from matters identified after the initial proceedings involving Middlesbrough were initiated.

"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."

For now, Middlesbrough can prepare for its first Championship play-off final since losing the 2015 showpiece 2-0 to Norwich City. 

But Boro will face a tough test against Hull. It had gone unbeaten in its last four league meetings against them before losing 1-0 at home back in December. 

Hull, meanwhile, is the first sixth-placed side to reach the Championship play-off final since Derby County in 2018-2019.