Southampton thrown out of play-offs over spying scandal

Southampton have been kicked out of Saturday's Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on rivals Middlesborough.

An investigation began after someone thought to be a Southampton staff member, was spotted pointing his mobile phone at a Middlesborough training session two days before their play-off tie.

Southampton went on to beat Middlesborough in the semi-final, and were due to play Hull City for a place in the Premier League this weekend.

But after Southampton admitted to cheating, the English Football League (EFL) decided that Middlesborough will now get Southampton's spot in the play-off.

Southampton have appealed against the decision, with the result of the appeal due to be given on Wednesday evening.

If their appeal is rejected it means Southampton will be playing in the Championship next season, as they won't be able to compete for a place in the Premier League in Saturday's game.

The team will also be given a four-point deduction for next season.

Missing out on a place in the play-off will also have financial consequences, with the winners guaranteed a minimum £110m in Premier League broadcast revenue.

Football issues correspondent Dale Johnson has said the decision to throw Southampton out of the play-offs was unexpected, as the last time a club was accused of spying they had to pay a £200,000 fine.

But the difference is, that incident took place seven years ago and when there were no specific rules against spying on an opponent before a game.

Since then the EFL has brought in a rule to say opponents aren't allowed to watch each other play for three days before they play each other - which Southampton have broken.

Southampton have also been found guilty of filming training sessions involving Oxford United in December ⁠and Ipswich Town in April.