The English Football League (EFL) accused Southampton of watching the training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, as well as filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first play-off semi-final match on May 7th, according to BBC Sport.

An independent disciplinary commission also imposed a four-point deduction for the upcoming Championship season on Southampton, which is majority-owned by Serbian businessman Dragan Solak's company, Sport Republic.

The club will now miss out on the most profitable match in world football, where the play-off final winner is guaranteed at least £110 million in TV revenue from the Premier League.

The final will remain scheduled for Saturday at Wembley, with the exact start time to be confirmed.

Southampton admitted "multiple violations of EFL rules related to unauthorized filming of other clubs' training," the EFL announced.

The club also accepted a reprimand for all charges.

Sources confirmed to BBC Sport that Southampton will appeal on Wednesday, arguing the penalty is disproportionate.

The EFL stated that they "will work to resolve the appeal by Wednesday, May 20th."

It is noted that "depending on the outcome, there could be further changes to Saturday's match."

The appeal will be decided by an independent arbitration panel from the league with three new members.

The EFL released a statement: "Southampton was first charged on May 8th, with additional charges raised on May 17th, concerning additional offenses during the 2025/2026 season.

"The additional charges arose from facts uncovered following the initial process, which included Middlesbrough."

"Southampton admitted violations of rules that require clubs to act in good faith towards each other and prohibit watching another club's training within 72 hours of a scheduled match."

"Admitted violations related to matches against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026."

Southampton lost to Oxford United 2-1, drew 2-2 at home against Ipswich Town, and drew 0-0 away to Middlesbrough.

The statement further notes: "EFL is now in discussions with all three clubs about the implications of today's decision and will release further information soon."

Middlesbrough released a statement saying they "welcome the outcome."

"We believe this sends a clear message about the future of our game when it comes to sporting integrity and conduct. As a club, we are now focused on the match against Hull City at Wembley on Saturday. Information about ticketing for our fans will be available soon," the statement added.

Southampton has already sold tickets for the Saturday match, and their fans will receive a full refund.

The club must now wait to see if the Football Association will bring charges against individuals involved in the spying. The EFL can only impose sanctions on its own members.

What Was Southampton Hiding?

It was the morning of Thursday, May 7th. Middlesbrough was at its Rockliffe Park training center, preparing for the match against Southampton 48 hours later.

A supposed spy, Southampton analyst William Solt, allegedly parked near a golf club, then walked a few hundred meters along a path leading to an elevated part of the training ground.

Sources told the BBC that the accused simply stood and filmed the training with a mobile phone, wearing headphones in his ears.

Middlesbrough staff believe he may have been live-streaming the training via video call.

A Middlesbrough staff member approached him...