Southampton have been ejected from the Championship playoff final after it was discovered they spied on opponents Middlesbrough during the semi-final. The scandal, which erupted just days before the Wembley showpiece, has thrown the match into chaos and handed Hull City a clear path to the Premier League.
An investigation revealed that Southampton officials illegally accessed Middlesbrough's tactical sessions, giving them an unfair advantage in the two-legged tie. The EFL ruled that the Saints breached integrity rules, leading to their expulsion from the competition.
As a result, Middlesbrough, who lost the semi-final, have been reinstated and will now face Hull City in the final for a place in the world's most lucrative football league. The decision has sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike, with many calling for stricter punishments for espionage in football.