Brendan Kelly KC and Amina Graham represent the EFL in proceedings against Southampton FC arising from the Championship Play-Offs

Brendan Kelly KC and Amina Graham appeared on behalf of the English Football League (“EFL”) in disciplinary proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC concerning breaches of Regulations 3.4 and 127 of the EFL Regulations relating to the Championship Play-Offs and the League.

Southampton FC admitted observing training sessions involving three separate Championship clubs during the 2025/26 football season. One of those training sessions involved observing Middlesbrough FC shortly before the two clubs were due to play each other in the first leg of the Championship Play-Off Semi-Final.

Following a hearing held on 19 May 2026, a Disciplinary Commission expelled Southampton from the Championship Play-Off Final in respect of the conduct involving Middlesbrough. The Commission also issued a separate sanction of a four-point deduction to commence in the 2026/27 season, in relation to the other two incidents. 

Southampton appealed the Commission’s decision and, due to the impending Play-Final scheduled for 23 May 2026, an expedited appeal hearing was convened the following day before a single arbitrator. Following submissions from both Southampton and the EFL with respect to the appropriate sanction, the appeal was dismissed. As a result, Middlesbrough will proceed to the Play-Off final to play Hull City FC on 23 May 2026.

Brendan and Amina were instructed by Nick Craig, Geoff May, and Lucy Barrow of the EFL.

Southampton was represented by Lord Pannick KC, Kate Gallafent KC, and Tom Coates of Blackstone Chambers, instructed by Squire Patton Boggs.

The written reasons in respect of both decisions will be published in due course.