Southampton are expelled from the Championship play-off final after admitting three spying offences in the “Spygate” scandal, according to an independent commission. The club says the punishment is “manifestly disproportionate”, arguing that expulsion and related sanctions are harsher than any other penalty in English football. The commission also imposes a four-point deduction for next season. One of the admitted charges relates to Southampton observing a training session involving Middlesbrough, who are Southampton’s semi-final opponents earlier this month. Following the decision, Middlesbrough are reinstated and they take Southampton’s place in the final on Saturday, ending Southampton’s opportunity to seek promotion to the Premier League, which sources estimate could be worth around £200m.

Southampton appeal the outcome and publicly challenge the severity of the ruling. Multiple reports also indicate the club issued statements through its leadership, including an apology to supporters reported by the Guardian. Separately, an additional wider review or investigation is mentioned by at least one outlet, with the possibility of further consequences beyond the commission’s initial sanction.