The Football Association has opened an investigation into Southampton following the club’s admission that it observed the training sessions of three Championship opponents during the 2025-26 season.
The development comes after Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs for breaching league regulations related to spying on opponents before matches.
Middlesbrough have now been reinstated and will face Hull City in Saturday’s Championship play-off final.
Southampton were also handed a four-point deduction for next season’s Championship campaign.
Southampton appeal rejected after disciplinary ruling
An independent disciplinary commission ruled against Southampton after the club admitted observing opposition training sessions within 72 hours of scheduled matches.
The club appealed against the punishment, arguing that the sanction was “disproportionate”, but the appeal was dismissed on Wednesday evening.
The decision confirmed Southampton’s removal from the play-offs and upheld the points deduction.
FA assessing further disciplinary action
The Football Association confirmed on Thursday that it is now reviewing the wider conduct of the club following the revelations.
An FA spokesperson said the organisation would not comment further until all evidence had been fully assessed.
The investigation could potentially examine whether additional disciplinary action should be taken against individuals connected to the club, including coaching or analytical staff.
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