Southampton are expelled from the Championship play-offs for breaching EFL rules after the club is found to have spied on semi-final opponents. Multiple reports say new information and published remarks relating to the appeal process support the view that head coach Tonda Eckert played a central role in the “spygate” project. The club had already been sanctioned following findings that spying activities involved sending a young intern to record rival training sessions, including Middlesbrough. The Guardian reports that the materials presented during the appeal also include references to how the intern responsible for recording opponents’ training was encouraged and assurances were given, alongside evidence that Eckert initiated the practice. Eckert is reported to have broken her silence on the matter, stating she takes responsibility for the actions, while also indicating that the Football Association is investigating her. The Independent and Free Malaysia Today both report that Southampton’s expulsion follows the discovery of spying on opponents and that Eckert is now publicly addressing her involvement after the sanctions were applied.