Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-offs following the 'spygate' scandal that has rocked the English football world. Middlesbrough, who were initially ousted from the play-off final, have been reinstated and will face Hull City in the final on Saturday, May 23.

Southampton, who have the right to appeal the verdict, will also receive a four-point deduction for next season's Championship. The controversy began on May 7 when Middlesbrough lodged a formal complaint with the English Football League (EFL), alleging that a Southampton staff member had spied on their training session three days before their play-off semi-final first leg. The match ended in a 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium.

On May 12, Southampton was charged with a breach of EFL regulations related to the spying allegations. They requested additional time to conduct an internal review. Despite the ongoing investigation, Southampton won the second leg 2-1 with Shea Charles scoring the winner in extra time, securing their place in the play-off final.

The situation escalated further on May 13 when photos allegedly showing a Southampton analyst near Middlesbrough's training ground were released publicly. The independent hearing to determine Southampton's fate was set for or before Tuesday, May 19. In a statement, the EFL said the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings might result in changes to the fixture.

On May 15, Middlesbrough publicly called for Southampton's expulsion from the play-offs, stating that the only appropriate response was a sporting sanction preventing Southampton from participating in the Championship play-off final. The independent disciplinary hearing concluded on May 19, leading to Southampton's expulsion.

With the play-offs now set to proceed without Southampton, Middlesbrough will have their chance to compete for promotion to the Premier League.