Spygate latest: English FA to investigate Southampton after club admits to spying on other Championship teams

The Saints were expelled from the EFL Championship play-offs after admitting to "multiple breaches" of filming other clubs' training.

They saw their appeal dismissed, which means that Middlesborough will now face Hull City in the final on Saturday at Wembley for a place in next season's Premier League.

Southampton have also been deducted four points ahead of next season but could face further punishment with the FA now opening up an investigation.

An FA spokesperson said the governing body "won't comment further until we have assessed the evidence."

While the EFL can only sanction clubs, the FA will assess the culpability of the individuals involved in the spying.

That could mean a potential ban for Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert.

Former Canada Women head coach Bev Priestman was banned for a year by FIFA having been found guilty of spying on New Zealand at the 2024 Olympics.

Southampton admitted to three separate instances of spying on opposition training sessions: against Oxford United in December, Ipswich Town in April and Middlesbrough before the play-off semi-final first leg.

After losing their appeal on Wednesday, Southampton said in a statement: "This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this.

"While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours.

"Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.

"While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right."

Midfielder Leo Scienza took to Instagram to voice his feelings.

"We gave everything for this dream. Day after day, sacrifice after sacrifice, always believing we could bring this club back to where it belongs," he wrote.

"For me, the dream of playing in the Premier League was something I fought for with everything I had. That’s why this pain cuts so deep.

"The hardest part is knowing how much our fans deserved this moment. You stood behind us all season with incredible passion, loyalty and belief. Even in the toughest moments, you carried us forward.

"Thank you for staying with us through everything, you definitely deserved better."

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