Southampton have been expelled from the UK football Championship play-offs after admitting to spying on rival clubs during the season, with Middlesbrough reinstated to face Hull City at Wembley for promotion to the Premier League.
The English Football League (EFL) found Southampton guilty of unauthorised filming of training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough, including ahead of the play-off semi-final.
The club was also handed a four-point deduction for next season and formally reprimanded for multiple breaches of league regulations relating to sporting integrity and good faith.
Southampton now lose their chance to compete for the lucrative Premier League promotion prize, reportedly worth at least £110 million in broadcast revenue. Middlesbrough welcomed the decision, saying it sent a strong message about integrity in football, while Southampton supporters who bought final tickets will receive refunds.
