Middlesbrough could YET make the Premier League, following Southampton sanctions

Southampton supporters before the south coast derby — Southampton could be kicked out of the Championship playoff final (Image credit: Getty Images)

Southampton could be kicked out of the Championship playoff final, despite beating Middlesbrough in the semis on Tuesday evening.

The Saints are hoping to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, after they were relegated from the top flight last season.

Middlesbrough are continuing to train in case they end up playing in the final

Middlesbrough are reportedly continuing to train this week, despite having lost the two-leg semi final via a fortunate extra time Shea Charles cross that ended up creeping into the net.

The Teessiders hope that they could still end up replacing their opponents, who have been charged by the EFL with violating two EFL regulations relating to acting in good faith and monitoring opposing teams' training, after Middlesbrough staff claimed a Southampton analyst was seen potentially filming their sessions from the bushes at their Rockliffe Hall training ground near Darlington.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Joshua Quarshie of Southampton heads at goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Middlesbrough at St Mary&amp;apos;s Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images) — Southampton beat Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff semi final (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Mail claims that Middlesbrough want a "sporting sanction" against Southampton rather than a financial penalty, which could see them removed from the final.

This would be different from the fine that was handed out to Leeds United seven years ago, when then boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted that he had sent people to watch all of his opponents throughout the season.

Boro boss Kim Hellberg said that a financial punishment is not proportionate for the actions and that most clubs would happily pay it to gain an advantage.

He said: "They see everything we do, and that's OK? I just think it's weird they do that and try to cheat in this type of game.

"I know Bielsa paid £200,000, but that was not the law then. I think a lot of clubs will pay that amount to try to get an advantage by seeing you in the two sessions before a game."

Tonda Eckert, Manager of Southampton, acknowledges the fans following the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi Final Second Leg match against Middlesbrough. — Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has acknowledged the charge but declined to say any more (Image credit: Getty Images)

EFL officials are hoping to finalise their hearing and appeal process before the final on May 23, with an independent panel set to have the final say.

Southampton have acknowledged the charges and declined to say anything more until a decision has been reached.

Should they not be kicked out of the final, a points deduction is another potential punishment.

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Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names.