Southampton has been disqualified from the Premier League promotion playoff final after misconduct involving Middlesbrough, and has also had points deducted.
On 20 May 2026, Southampton, known as the Saints, were officially disqualified from the playoff final for promotion to the English Premier League. This decision came from an independent disciplinary committee after they were charged for the first time on 8 May.
In addition to being disqualified from the playoff final, Southampton was further penalized with a 4-point deduction in the 2026-27 season. This punishment was due to dishonest conduct involving sending staff to spy on their rival, Middlesbrough, ahead of the semifinal match. As a result, Middlesbrough benefited by securing a spot in the final against Hull City, known as the Tigers, this Saturday.
The key evidence used by the English Football League (EFL) was a photo showing William Salt, a data analyst for Southampton, covertly standing behind a tree at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training ground. He was also seen recording the training session on his mobile phone, violating Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from spying on or attempting to observe an opponent’s training within 72 hours before a match. Southampton still retains the right to appeal this decision, with a conclusion expected today.