Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Wed 20 May 2026 14:17, UK

Leeds United‘s fine for their Spygate controversy has been mentioned in Southampton’s latest statement.

While the final Premier League matchweek of the season is just days away, it’s the play-off final taking the news headlines, and for all of the wrong reasons.

Hull City were due to face Southampton before the Saints were removed from the competition as a result of their Spygate controversy against Middlesbrough.

The latter were reinstated and have since released ticketing information to their supporters ahead of the game in just three days’ time.

However, Southampton have appealed the decision, while noting the punishment handed to Leeds United back in 2019.

What is the latest on Southampton’s Spygate?

The EFL confirmed their decision to remove the Saints from the play-offs, while also handing them a four-point deduction to start the new campaign.

As expected, Southampton have appealed that decision, despite admitting their wrongdoings, with a statement since released on their behalf.

Phil Parsons, the Chief Executive of Southampton, has claimed that the sanctions would be far too harsh, while using Leeds as an example.

The Whites were fined £200,000 back in 2019 for a similar offence, after a member of Leeds’ staff was found acting strangely outside of the Derby County training ground, before they clashed in January.

It reads: “On the appeal itself: we accept that there should be a sanction. What we cannot accept is a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence.

“Whereas Leeds United was fined £200,000 for a similar offence, Southampton has been denied the opportunity to compete in a game worth more than £200 million and one which means so much to our staff, players and supporters.”

EFL left with no choice but to prevent Saints from competing

Picture this: Southampton are allowed to compete in the play-off final and go on to win it, banking over £200million as a result?

What message does that send?

If allowed, it will make the Championship become a cesspit for cheating, with clubs of the opinion that the potential reward would massively outweigh the punishment, as would be the case for Southampton.

A messy situation to say the least, and one that certainly has many fans feeling for Hull City.