Middlesbrough will play Hull City in Saturday’s Championship play-off final after Southampton failed in an appeal to overturn their expulsion.
Middlesbrough, who had lost their semi-final tie to Southampton, were awarded a place in the final on Tuesday after the south-coast club — who have also been docked four points for the 2026-27 Championship campaign — admitted to spying on rival teams.
The Athletic reported Southampton players would explore their options regarding legal action against the club following the outcome, which they only found out on Tuesday at the same time as everyone else.
Members of the squad who had taken 40 per cent pay cuts after suffering relegation from the top flight last year were due to have that wage reinstated in the event of promotion to the Premier League.