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Southampton have stated that the punishment handed to them for spying on rival clubs represents “the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club”, following their appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-offs and a points deduction.

The English Football League (EFL) removed Southampton from Saturday’s play-off final against Hull City after investigating allegations made by Middlesbrough prior to their semi-final clash. As a result, Middlesbrough are now set to face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, with promotion to the Premier League at stake.

Southampton, who have also been hit with a four-point deduction for the next season, admitted to spying on three opposition clubs earlier in the campaign, including Middlesbrough. However, the club has exercised its right to appeal the severity of the sanctions.

A decision on the appeal is expected later on Wednesday, with Southampton maintaining that the punishment is disproportionate to the offence committed.

Phil Parsons, Southampton’s Chief Executive, said in a statement: “What happened was wrong. The club has admitted breaches of EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127. We apologise to the other clubs involved, and most importantly, to our supporters whose incredible loyalty and backing this season deserved better from us.”

He added: “We have fully cooperated with the EFL’s investigation and disciplinary procedures. After the appeal, we will write to the EFL offering to participate in a working group focused on the practical implementation and enforcement of Regulation 127 across the Championship. Contrition without reform is meaningless, and we intend to demonstrate genuine change.”

Parsons continued: “Regarding the appeal, we accept that a sanction is warranted. However, we cannot accept a punishment that is wholly disproportionate to the offence. Leeds United were fined £200,000 for a similar incident, while Southampton have been denied the chance to play in a match worth over £200 million and one that holds immense significance for our staff, players, and supporters.”

Often described as the richest game in football, the Championship play-off final offers the winning club vast financial rewards through promotion to the Premier League.

Parsons further stated: “We believe the financial impact of yesterday’s ruling makes this, by a significant margin, the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club.”

He compared the case to previous punishments in English football, saying: “Luton Town’s 30-point deduction in 2008/09 — previously considered the harshest sporting penalty in the English game — was imposed on a League Two club with far less revenue at stake. Derby County’s 21-point deduction in 2021 led to their relegation from the Championship. Everton’s six-point deduction in 2023/24 followed losses of £124.5 million, a figure that pales in comparison to what Southampton have lost in a single day. The Premier League’s largest ever financial penalty, against Chelsea in March this year, was £10.75 million and came without any sporting punishment, despite undisclosed payments totalling £47.5 million over seven years.”

He concluded: “We do not make these comparisons to downplay the wrongdoing at our club — we have accepted it was wrong. We do so because proportionality is a cornerstone of natural justice. The Commission had the authority to impose a sanction, but we will argue it was not entitled to impose one that is so clearly excessive compared to every previous case in English football history.”

The matter is expected to be resolved following the appeal hearing, with neither the EFL nor Southampton able to escalate the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).