Arabic version: ساوثهامبتون تُستبعد من التصفيات بسبب التجسس على تدريبات الفرق

Southampton have been thrown out of the play-offs after admitting they spied on three clubs in the Championship season. The English Football League (EFL) charged the club with unauthorized filming of training sessions for Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough. This decision comes after Southampton’s admission of multiple breaches of EFL regulations.

According to BBC News, the EFL stated that Southampton’s actions included filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on 7 May. In addition to their disqualification, Southampton has received a four-point deduction for the upcoming Championship season.

As a result of Southampton’s expulsion, Middlesbrough, who were beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, has been reinstated and will now face Hull City for a chance to secure a spot in the Premier League. The final is scheduled to take place at Wembley on Saturday, with the kick-off time yet to be confirmed.

The EFL’s statement revealed that Southampton was first charged on 8 May, with further charges issued on 17 May due to additional breaches identified during the ongoing investigation. Southampton admitted to violating regulations that mandate clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibit observing another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.

The spying incident reportedly occurred on 7 May, when a Southampton analyst was spotted near Middlesbrough’s training ground. The individual allegedly used a mobile device to record the session while being approached by Middlesbrough staff. After being confronted, the analyst deleted content from his phone and fled the scene, leading to a swift report to the EFL by Middlesbrough officials.