In a major decision, Southampton has been expelled from English Football League (EFL) Championship final - the second tier of English football behind top-flight Premier League. The decision comes in wake of Southampton's acknowledgement of spying on three of its rivals including Middlesbrough, whom they defeated in the semis. The final, meanwhile, stays on course for Saturday (May 23) between Hull City and Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium in London. The winner will get a place in the Premier League next season while Southampton have been handed a four-point deduction for the next Championship season.<h2>Has Southampton been expelled from the EFL Championship play-off final?</h2>Yes, Southampton has officially been expelled from EFL Championship play-off final against Hull City for spying on three of its rivals - Oxford United and Ipswich Town along with semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.<h2>Why was Southampton expelled from the EFL Championship final?</h2>Southampton was expelled from the Championship final by EFL after admitting to spy on training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town as well as filming the Middlesbrough training session ahead of the play-off semi-final on May 7.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-crowned-champions-after-22-years-as-manchester-city-draw-against-afc-bournemouth-1779222359172">Arsenal crowned PL champions after 22 years as Man City draw against Bournemouth</a>Southampton admitted to "multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs' training", the EFL said. The club was found guilty of breaching Regulation 127 which prohibits "observation of opponents' training within 72 hours of a match."<h2>Who will replace Southampton in EFL Championship final?</h2>Middlesbrough, whom Southampton defeated in the semis, will replace the in the EFL Championship final against Hull City, scheduled for Saturday (May 23).<h2>How was Southampton spy caught?</h2>According to reports, a Southampton staff member was discovered at Middlesbrough training session at Rockliffe Park with high-tech surveillance gear including a microphone. Upon being identified and confronted by the Middlesbrough media staff, the analyst escaped to a nearby clubhouse and tried to blend in with golfers on the adjacent course after a change of clothes.<h2>What did Southampton say about the analyst?</h2>Initially, Southampton denied ordering the surveillance and called the analyst as 'lone wolf' who acted out of his own will. The EFL, however, said in a statement that "Southampton admitted breaches of regulations requiring clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match."The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026."

Southampton admitted to spy on Oxford, Ipswich and Middlesbrough and were expelled from EFL Championship final on May 23.

In a major decision, Southampton has been expelled from English Football League (EFL) Championship final - the second tier of English football behind top-flight Premier League. The decision comes in wake of Southampton's acknowledgement of spying on three of its rivals including Middlesbrough, whom they defeated in the semis. The final, meanwhile, stays on course for Saturday (May 23) between Hull City and Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium in London. The winner will get a place in the Premier League next season while Southampton have been handed a four-point deduction for the next Championship season. Has Southampton been expelled from the EFL Championship play-off final? Yes, Southampton has officially been expelled from EFL Championship play-off final against Hull City for spying on three of its rivals - Oxford United and Ipswich Town along with semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. Why was Southampton expelled from the EFL Championship final? Southampton was expelled from the Championship final by EFL after admitting to spy on training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town as well as filming the Middlesbrough training session ahead of the play-off semi-final on May 7. Also Read - Arsenal crowned PL champions after 22 years as Man City draw against Bournemouth Southampton admitted to "multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorised filming of other clubs' training", the EFL said. The club was found guilty of breaching Regulation 127 which prohibits "observation of opponents' training within 72 hours of a match." Who will replace Southampton in EFL Championship final? Middlesbrough, whom Southampton defeated in the semis, will replace the in the EFL Championship final against Hull City, scheduled for Saturday (May 23). How was Southampton spy caught? According to reports, a Southampton staff member was discovered at Middlesbrough training session at Rockliffe Park with high-tech surveillance gear including a microphone. Upon being identified and confronted by the Middlesbrough media staff, the analyst escaped to a nearby clubhouse and tried to blend in with golfers on the adjacent course after a change of clothes. What did Southampton say about the analyst? Initially, Southampton denied ordering the surveillance and called the analyst as 'lone wolf' who acted out of his own will. The EFL, however, said in a statement that "Southampton admitted breaches of regulations requiring clubs to act with the utmost good faith and prohibiting the observation of another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. "The admitted breaches concern fixtures against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026 and Middlesbrough in May 2026."

Southampton admitted to spy on Oxford, Ipswich and Middlesbrough and were expelled from EFL Championship final on May 23.

Southampton replaced with Middlesbrough in EFL Championship final after admitting to 'spying'

Former Manchester United star Wayne&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;was hired as the new manager of Championship club Birmingham on Wednesday (Oct 11).&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract to replace John Eustace at St Andrew's after leaving Major League Soccer side DC United last week.

Eustace, in charge for just 15 months, was sacked despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season and&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;will be expected to oversee a push for promotion to the Premier League. "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realizing their ambition for the club,"&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;said.

"We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/premier-league-manchester-united-manager-erik-ten-hag-vows-full-support-to-struggling-rashford-665659">Premier League: Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag vows full support to struggling Rashford</a><a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/discover/sports?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2023%3Anewsml_WD895211102023RP1%3A9&amp;search=all%3Afootball%20">&nbsp;</a>

"It's a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can't wait to get started." Joining&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;on his Birmingham backroom staff are former England team-mate Ashley Cole, currently England Under-21s assistant coach, and John O'Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland.

Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttle worth, who both worked with&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;at DC United, will also move to St Andrew's. "Wayne is a born winner. We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey," Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner said. Rooney&nbsp;previously managed in the Championship with Derby between November 2020 and June 2022.

<h2>'Winning culture'</h2>

The 37-year-old was unable to stop Derby from being relegated to the third tier in 2022 after the club were deducted 21 points for entering administration and financial breaches. He also failed to take DC United into the MLS play-offs this season.

During his glittering player career,&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;was a teenage sensation with Everton before joining United in 2004. He became United's record goal scorer and won five Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and three League Cups.

Wagner is confident&nbsp;Rooney's vast experience at the highest level can revitalize an ambitious club that last played in the Premier League in 2011. "His playing philosophy will help to realize the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City," Wagner said.

"Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United.&nbsp;

"He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the football club."

US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and soon afterwards seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club.

Rooney&nbsp;knows the involvement of Brady, who starred in the NFL for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, underlines Birmingham's desire to target a place in the Premier League.

"We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the first team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals,"&nbsp;Rooney&nbsp;said.

"I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it.&nbsp;

"We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet."

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Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney was hired as the new manager of Championship club Birmingham on Wednesday (Oct 11). Rooney has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract to replace John Eustace at St Andrew's after leaving Major League Soccer side DC United last week.

Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney was hired as the new manager of Championship club Birmingham on Wednesday (Oct 11). Rooney has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract to replace John Eustace at St Andrew's after leaving Major League Soccer side DC United last week. Eustace, in charge for just 15 months, was sacked despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship this season and Rooney will be expected to oversee a push for promotion to the Premier League. "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Birmingham City at such an exciting time. It is very clear that they have a plan and are committed to realizing their ambition for the club," Rooney said. "We are fully aligned on what is expected. I have been building my managerial career, putting myself in challenging environments, to get me ready for this opportunity. Also Read: Premier League: Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag vows full support to struggling Rashford "It's a project that gives me a sense of purpose and I can't wait to get started." Joining Rooney on his Birmingham backroom staff are former England team-mate Ashley Cole, currently England Under-21s assistant coach, and John O'Shea, the assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland. Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttle worth, who both worked with Rooney at DC United, will also move to St Andrew's. "Wayne is a born winner. We believe, with the support of his coaching staff, the club, and our supporters, he will take Blues forward on the next stage of our journey," Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner said. Rooney previously managed in the Championship with Derby between November 2020 and June 2022. 'Winning culture' The 37-year-old was unable to stop Derby from being relegated to the third tier in 2022 after the club were deducted 21 points for entering administration and financial breaches. He also failed to take DC United into the MLS play-offs this season. During his glittering player career, Rooney was a teenage sensation with Everton before joining United in 2004. He became United's record goal scorer and won five Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and three League Cups. Wagner is confident Rooney's vast experience at the highest level can revitalize an ambitious club that last played in the Premier League in 2011. "His playing philosophy will help to realize the ambitions we have set for Birmingham City," Wagner said. "Wayne has been preparing for an opportunity like this since he embarked on his coaching education whilst still a player at Manchester United. "He and his staff have the full support of the Board and everyone at the football club." US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed a takeover of Birmingham in July and soon afterwards seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became a minority owner in the club. Rooney knows the involvement of Brady, who starred in the NFL for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, underlines Birmingham's desire to target a place in the Premier League. "We have some exciting young players in the squad, and some who are still to break through into the first team, alongside a core of experienced senior professionals," Rooney said. "I have a clear way that I want the team to play, and my coaching staff and I will work hard to implement it. "We will create a winning culture here with an identity that gets Blues fans on their feet." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Wayne Rooney hired as new manager of Championship Club Birmingham

Burnley are back in the Premier League after they beat Middleborough 2-1 on Friday, April 7 evening to clinch their place amongst the elites. The Lanchshire-based club was relegated on the final day of the season in 2022, but have bounced straight back as they went 19 points clear of third placed Luton, which will see them finish in the top two and therefore secure their return amongst the elites.

"It's Easter and there are seven games to go and we're already celebrating. We didn't expect it," Kompany told Sky Sports.

"We wanted to experience this at some point but quicker is better sometimes as well."

Heading into matchday 40, Burnley needed a certain set of results to go their way to clinch promotion on Friday evening. A win against Middleborough coupled with a draw for Luton would have secured promotion for the two-time English champions.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-ms-dhoni-felicitated-by-mca-on-eve-of-el-clasico-clash-wankhede-to-have-2011-wc-victory-memorial-580217">IPL 2023: MS Dhoni felicitated by MCA on eve of El Clasico clash; Wankhede to have 2011 WC victory memorial</a>

Full-back Connor Roberts scored the decisive goal 24 minutes from time at the Riverside when the Welsh international turned home Nathan Tella's cross.

Ashley Barnes had given Kompany's men the perfect start before Chuba Akpom levelled from the penalty spot with his 27th goal of the season.

"This was a complete surprise, this was not our plan," said Burnley chairman Alan Pace. "Vincent and I talked about it in the summer, we gave ourselves two, three years was our plan. I think what you've seen is a lot of magic coming together.

"This team is very, very good. You hear Vincent say it every week. They're surprising each and every one of us every day, they're phenomenal."

The Championship outfit will now look to secure the second-division title as they try to put the icing on the cake with the cherries on the top. As things stand, they are on 87 points from 39 matches and still have seven matches to play for. Vincent Kompany’s men need a maximum of 11 points to win the second tier and make their return to the Premier League next season as champions of the second division.

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&nbsp;

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Burnley are back in the Premier League after they beat Middleborough 2-1 on Friday, April 7 evening to clinch their place amongst the elites. The Lanchshire-based club was relegated on the final day of the season in 2022, but have bounced straight back as they went 19 points clear of third placed Luton, which will see them finish in the top two and therefore secure their return amongst the elites.

Burnley are back in the Premier League after they beat Middleborough 2-1 on Friday, April 7 evening to clinch their place amongst the elites. The Lanchshire-based club was relegated on the final day of the season in 2022, but have bounced straight back as they went 19 points clear of third placed Luton, which will see them finish in the top two and therefore secure their return amongst the elites. "It's Easter and there are seven games to go and we're already celebrating. We didn't expect it," Kompany told Sky Sports. "We wanted to experience this at some point but quicker is better sometimes as well." Heading into matchday 40, Burnley needed a certain set of results to go their way to clinch promotion on Friday evening. A win against Middleborough coupled with a draw for Luton would have secured promotion for the two-time English champions. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: MS Dhoni felicitated by MCA on eve of El Clasico clash; Wankhede to have 2011 WC victory memorial Full-back Connor Roberts scored the decisive goal 24 minutes from time at the Riverside when the Welsh international turned home Nathan Tella's cross. Ashley Barnes had given Kompany's men the perfect start before Chuba Akpom levelled from the penalty spot with his 27th goal of the season. "This was a complete surprise, this was not our plan," said Burnley chairman Alan Pace. "Vincent and I talked about it in the summer, we gave ourselves two, three years was our plan. I think what you've seen is a lot of magic coming together. "This team is very, very good. You hear Vincent say it every week. They're surprising each and every one of us every day, they're phenomenal." The Championship outfit will now look to secure the second-division title as they try to put the icing on the cake with the cherries on the top. As things stand, they are on 87 points from 39 matches and still have seven matches to play for. Vincent Kompany’s men need a maximum of 11 points to win the second tier and make their return to the Premier League next season as champions of the second division. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EFL Championship: Burnley clinch Premier League return after 2-1 win at lackluster Middleborough

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Southampton replaced with Middlesbrough in EFL Championship final after admitting to 'spying'

Football: Wayne Rooney hired as new manager of Championship Club Birmingham

EFL Championship: Burnley clinch Premier League return after 2-1 win at lackluster Middleborough