Southampton Removed from Playoff After Spying on Training Sessions, Seen in Trending Photo

Southampton have been thrown out of the Championship playoffs and given a four-point deduction for next season after being found guilty of spying on opposing training sessions, per Dale Johnson of BBC Sport.

Per that report, "The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their playoff semifinal on May 7."

Per Johnson, the alleged Southampton spy "simply stood pointing his mobile at the training session, while wearing in-ear headphones. Middlesbrough staff believe he may have been live-streaming the session via a video call. A member of Middlesbrough's staff approached, say BBC sources, but the person would not identify himself. Then, he quickly deleted some content off his phone before running off into the golf club."

Southampton had beaten Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff semifinals, but Tuesday's ruling means that Middlesbrough have been reinstated to the tournament and will face Hull City in the final. The winning team will be promoted to the Premier League, joining Coventry City and Ipswich Town.

The final will be played Sunday at the legendary Wembley Stadium.

Per the EFL's statement on the matter, "Southampton admitted breaches of regulations requiring clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match."

Southampton does have the right to appeal the decision.

"We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct," Middlesbrough said in a statement, saying they "welcome the outcome."