Middlesbrough lawyer shares thoughts after Southampton is kicked out of the Championship play-offs
The well-known sports law barrister who helped Middlesbrough in their ‘spygate’ case against Southampton has shared his thoughts after the EFL kicked the Saints out of the Championship play-offs.
Southampton were removed from the play-offs and hit with a four-point deduction on Tuesday after admitting they spied on three clubs during the 2025/26 season. Middlesbrough complained to the EFL after spotting a Southampton staff member filming a training session ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg.
Southampton had won the tie 2-1 on aggregate and were set to face Hull City in the final at Wembley on Saturday. But an independent disciplinary panel ruled they should be replaced by Middlesbrough in the final.
Southampton quickly appealed, but on Wednesday the EFL confirmed they would keep the punishments in place.
It was reported that after Middlesbrough’s complaint, their owner Steve Gibson hired top sports law expert Nick De Marco to lead the club’s case. De Marco, who knows a lot about commercial and employment law, has dealt with many high-profile sports cases and worked with players and clubs at the highest level.
After the decision, De Marco tweeted on Tuesday that he was “delighted” with the result and wished Middlesbrough good luck for the final. After the appeal was rejected, he added, “It’s been a fascinating case. Well done to everyone involved. We look forward to reading the full reasons. For now, good luck Boro in the final!”
No players from either Middlesbrough or Southampton have spoken publicly about the verdict yet. Middlesbrough are now heading to Wembley, hoping to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2018.
Southampton did release a long statement saying they believed the punishment was too harsh. They said, “While we fully accept the seriousness of this issue, we have always felt the original penalty was too tough, and many in football agree.” The club said they have a proud history but know they need to regain trust. They promised to learn from this and take responsible action moving forward. “Though this is a tough moment, we will respond with humility, accountability, and determination to make things right,” their statement said.
Hull City’s chairman, Acun Ilicali, said he might take legal action because his team was preparing to face Southampton in the final. Meanwhile, Saints manager Tonda Eckert could face an FA sanction, with some reports saying he might be sacked.