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.
The English Football League (EFL) has issued an urgent update regarding the disciplinary case against Southampton, confirming that an Independent Disciplinary Commission will meet by Tuesday, May 19. While the Championship play-off final remains scheduled for May 23 at Wembley, the EFL has warned supporters of "exceptional circumstances".
Southampton and a staff member may be forced to hand over private phone and bank records as the English Football League intensifies its investigation into allegations of spying on Middlesbrough’s training. With a crucial disciplinary hearing looming before the Championship play-off final on May 23, the Saints face the risk of a historic sporting sanction including potential exclusion from the final.
The independent disciplinary panel investigating Southampton’s alleged 'spygate' breach will consider a severe six-point deduction. Following a formal complaint from Middlesbrough over training ground espionage, the club face massive EFL sanctions just days before their crucial Championship play-off final at Wembley, a match that decides Premier League promotion.
Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling has formally informed the Football Association that he will not proceed with his discrimination allegation against Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The alleged incident happened during Tuesday's fiery play-off clash, adding extreme tension to a fixture already overshadowed by an ongoing 'Spygate' investigation into illicit training ground surveillance.
Dele Alli’s fall from grace remains one of the most perplexing mysteries in modern English football. Once the crown jewel of Tottenham’s midfield and a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions, the 30-year-old now finds himself in the wilderness of free agency after being released by Cesc Fabregas’ Como.
Ryan Reynolds has humorously labelled Wrexham co-owner Rob Mac a "sick f*ck" after the pair finally confirmed the completion date for Wrexham's stadium expansion. The Hollywood duo have been working tirelessly to transform the Racecourse Ground as the Red Dragons continue their remarkable ascent through the English football pyramid.
Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been accused of using "discriminatory language" towards an opponent during the Saints' Championship play-off semi-final win over Middlesbrough. The allegations emerged during a heated first half at St Mary's, overshadowing a dramatic second leg comeback that saw the hosts secure their place at Wembley.
Wrexham co-owners Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds have finally provided a definitive timeline for the completion of the club's highly anticipated new Kop stand. The massive redevelopment project at the Racecourse Ground is a cornerstone of the duo's ambitious plan to guide the Red Dragons toward the top flight of English football.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has opened up about his disastrous 83-day managerial spell at Birmingham City. Reflecting on his brief tenure, he claims that the heavy influence and unrealistic tactical demands from the club's high-profile ownership, specifically Tom Wagner and NFL icon Tom Brady, directly caused the poor results that led to his sacking.
Paul Mullin has provided a significant update on his Wrexham future as he enters the final year of his contract. The veteran striker, who became the face of the club's Hollywood resurgence under Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, has confirmed he is preparing to return to the Racecourse Ground after a loan spell at Bradford City.
Southampton find themselves at the centre of a major storm following allegations of a clandestine spying mission directed at Middlesbrough. The English Football League has took swift action after Boro officials reportedly discovered an individual secretly filming their private tactical preparations ahead of a crucial promotion showdown.
Jesse Lingard has been stepping a long way out of his comfort zone, heading to South Korea and Brazil, but a return to Britain - potentially at Wrexham - is not being ruled out. Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen worked with the ex-England international at Old Trafford and can see the obvious appeal of JLingz linking up with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
Frank Lampard has transformed his managerial reputation by leading Coventry City back to the Premier League, ending a historic 25-year exile. However, despite the title-winning success, the former England international is already being linked with a shock departure. While many expected a Chelsea return, he is tipped to join another London club instead.
Barcelona are finalising their pre-season schedule, which includes a surprise match against English side Birmingham City - a club that boasts NFL legend Tom Brady among its investors. Hansi Flick will take his squad to St George’s Park for a training camp before heading off for two lucrative friendlies in Africa, balancing essential tactical preparation with commercial growth.
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