Championship news

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert admitted authorising a spying operation that led to the club’s expulsion from the Championship play-offs. An independent commission also condemned the club’s treatment of junior staff members and handed Saints a four-point deduction for next season.

The fallout from Southampton’s shocking expulsion from the Championship play-off final is intensifying as rival clubs consider their legal options. Both Millwall and Wrexham are reportedly exploring compensation claims following the 'Spygate' scandal that has thrown the English second tier into total disarray.

Southampton are facing further disciplinary action after the FA launched an investigation into the Championship ‘spygate’ scandal. The Saints have already been expelled from the play-offs and handed a points deduction after admitting to observing opponents’ training sessions.

Everything you need to know about the race for promotion to the Premier League.

Southampton have lost their appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-off final following the recent spying scandal. An EFL arbitration panel upheld the initial decision to remove the club from the play-offs, meaning Middlesbrough will now replace them to face Hull City at Wembley this Saturday, with a lucrative spot in the Premier League at stake.

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has sensationally called for his club to be granted automatic promotion to the Premier League following the disqualification of Southampton from the Championship play-off final. The Tigers were originally scheduled to face the Saints at Wembley, but a spying scandal has thrown the post-season into unprecedented chaos, resulting in a showdown against Middlesbrough being scheduled.

Birmingham City forward Marvin Ducksch has been told by a magistrate that he is "lucky to be alive" after pleading guilty to drink-driving following a serious three-car collision. The German international, who joined the club last summer, was handed a 14-month driving ban and ordered to pay over £20,000 in fines and compensation after an incident on Easter Monday.

Riyad Mahrez has revealed that his ultimate footballing ambition was to pull on the famous Barcelona shirt and line up alongside Lionel Messi. The Algerian winger, who eventually became a hero at Manchester City, has opened up on how close he came to a different path during his rise to the top.

Southampton CEO Phil Parsons has issued a formal apology following the club's sensational expulsion from the Championship play-offs, admitting they were wrong to spy on Middlesbrough. However, the Saints chief has launched a fierce defence of the club, claiming the punishment far outweighs previous sanctions handed to the likes of Leeds United and Chelsea.

Wrexham forward Josh Windass has hit out at the EFL's decision to maintain the current play-off structure following the shock expulsion of Southampton. The Red Dragons star believes the entire bracket should be reset, an outcome that would see the Hollywood-owned club handed a surprise lifeline in their quest for top-flight football.

Southampton have been dramatically expelled from the Championship play-off final following a major disciplinary investigation into illicit training ground espionage. The South Coast club have also been handed a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season, paving the way for Middlesbrough to face Hull City at Wembley for a lucrative spot in the Premier League.

Former Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has made the stunning claim that Robert Lewandowski should consider a move to Wrexham this summer. The Polish frontman is set for an emotional exit from Catalunya, leaving a massive void in the Blaugrana attack that Mendieta believes could be filled by England captain Harry Kane.

Former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi poses quite the conundrum for Tom Brady and Birmingham, with ex-Blues star Clinton Morrison speculating with GOAL on what the summer transfer window could have in store. The Japan international, who previously starred in British football during a productive stint at Parkhead, has become a £10 million ($13m) flop in the West Midlands.

Middlesbrough have released an explosive public statement demanding the immediate expulsion of Southampton from the upcoming Championship play-off final at Wembley. The Teesside club have urged the EFL to enforce ultimate sporting sanctions following a controversial 'spygate' incident that occurred just 48 hours before their crucial semi-final encounter.

Wrexham have officially confirmed their summer retained list ahead of their upcoming campaign in the second tier of English football. The marquee news from the Racecourse Ground sees veteran forward Jay Rodriguez and long-serving midfielder Andy Cannon headline the senior departures as their contracts expire.

Birmingham City and Wrexham remain locked in a battle to reach the Premier League, but will Tom Brady or Ryan Reynolds be celebrating first? Ex-Blues striker Clinton Morrison has delivered his bold prediction during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as two teams with famous faces in their respective boardrooms are tipped to spend big again while taking aim at the Promised Land.

As speculation intensifies regarding Pep Guardiola’s potential departure from Manchester City this summer, the debate over his standing among managerial greats has been reignited. Tony Pulis argues that while the Spaniard’s tactical influence is peerless, he remains second to Sir Alex Ferguson due to the sheer scale of the Scotsman's rebuilding job.