Southampton Out of Play-Off Final as Appeal Fails

Southampton lose appeal over play-off expulsion

Southampton will miss the Championship play-off final after losing their appeal. Middlesbrough will face Hull City on Saturday instead.

Hull City are exploring legal options and unhappy about short notice to prepare for Middlesbrough, following Southampton’s removal from the final...

Southampton’s appeal to overturn their removal from the Championship play-off final has failed. Middlesbrough will now face Hull City in Saturday’s final after Southampton admitted to spying on rival teams.

The League Arbitration Panel’s decision is final and cannot be appealed further.

"Southampton Football Club has this evening been informed that the EFL’s League Arbitration Panel has upheld the sanctions imposed earlier this week. As a result, the club will not participate in Saturday’s Championship Play-Off Final,” the club said on their official site.

“This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this.

“While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours. 

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. We will share information as soon as possible in relation to ticket refunds for those who bought tickets to Wembley.

“Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.

“While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”

We have this evening been informed that the EFL’s League Arbitration Panel has upheld the sanctions imposed earlier this week.

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 20, 2026

Hull are said to be looking into legal advice to check if they could be promoted directly to the Premier League. The club is also frustrated about having little time to prepare for Middlesbrough, after expecting to face Southampton instead.

Either way, we're playing.#hcafc pic.twitter.com/CTAM3OheLt

— Hull City (@HullCity) May 20, 2026