Southampton has come under fire for a "deplorable" act, pressuring a junior staff member to spy on Middlesbrough, according to the English Football League (EFL).

The club is currently under investigation by the Football Association due to the ongoing ‘Spygate’ scandal, which has already cost them a spot in the Championship play-off final.

In its findings, the EFL has detailed the reasons behind the club’s expulsion from the play-offs. As a result of this incident, Southampton will face significant repercussions:

• Docking of four points for the upcoming season
• Expulsion from the play-offs

This investigation highlights serious ethical concerns within the club’s operations and raises questions about the treatment of staff members in high-pressure situations.