Southampton has been eliminated from the Championship play-off final due to espionage allegations made by Middlesbrough.

The Southampton team has been excluded from the Championship play-off final after an independent committee found that the team was guilty of spying on Middlesbrough before the semi-final. The allegations were made by Middlesbrough, which claimed that Southampton observed and recorded a training session.

Following this decision, Southampton also received a four-point penalty for the next season. Middlesbrough, which was defeated by Southampton in the semi-finals, will be reinstated and will play against Hull City in the final scheduled for Saturday at Wembley. Southampton has the option to contest the decision, with the committee having until Wednesday to review any appeal. The 'spygate' scandal has raised serious questions about sports integrity and fair play in competition.