Southampton has been kicked out of the world’s most lucrative football game due to spying | Football News

Southampton are out of the EFL Championship playoff final after meeting Middlesbrough, who will meet Hull for the Premier League places.

Southampton have been kicked out of the English Football League (EFL) Championship playoff final after admitting spying on their semi-final rivals Middlesbrough’s training.

Middlesbrough were relegated to Tuesday’s draw and are set to face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for their place in the English Premier League.

The game is considered the most lucrative in international football, as the winner is promoted to the Premier League – the richest club competition in world football – and will receive 200 million British pounds ($268m) in extra cash.

Southampton will also be handed four points next season after admitting a number of breaches related to “unlawful filming of training sessions for other clubs”, according to an EFL statement.

“The independent body has today kicked Southampton out of the Sky Bet Championship,” the EFL said.

Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have confirmed they will appeal the penalties.

The EFL said the parties were working to have the appeal heard on Wednesday.

“Depending on the result, it could change the game again on Saturday,” the EFL said.

One of Southampton’s coaching staff was caught by Middlesbrough officials filming training sessions on his phone.

The EFL confirmed that further charges had been laid against Southampton, and that the club had also agreed to hold pre-match training sessions with Oxford and Ipswich.

The first leg ended 0-0 before Southampton went on to win 2-1 after extra time in the second leg.

Middlesbrough have released a statement welcoming the outcome of the disciplinary commission meeting.

“We hope this sends a clear message about the future of our sport in terms of integrity and performance,” he said.