
Why isn’t Southampton playing in the Championship promotion playoff? ‘Spygate’ punishment explained
Spygate Scandal: Understanding Southampton’s Playoff Expulsion EFL Enforces ‘Spygate’ Sanctions Details of the Offense Southampton admitted to breaching EFL regulations by spying on three Championship opponents—Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town and Oxford United—during the 2025-26 season. An analyst was caught recording Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of the playoff semifinals, triggering an investigation

