Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has apologised for orchestrating the "spygate" scandal that led to the club's expulsion from the Championship playoffs as owner Dragan Solak insisted that he would not sack the German.

Saints owner sticks by manager despite 'spygate' scandal

Southampton were expelled from the promotion playoff because a fine would have been insignificant if they had won promotion to the Premier League, said documents from  the Independent Disciplinary Commission released on Thursday.

Southampton sanctions explained as ruling documents released

Southampton will not play the Championship playoff final after their appeal against expulsion on spying charges and a four-point deduction for next season was rejected, the English Football League (EFL) announced on Wednesday.

Southampton appeal dismissed, will not play Championship playoff final

Several sports teams around the world have paid a hefty price for spying on their opponents over the years but the potential financial cost to English soccer club Southampton for their infraction could be the heaviest.

Southampton set to pay heaviest price for sporting espionage

Southampton were expelled from the Championship playoff final on Tuesday by the English Football League after spying on a training session of semifinal opponents Middlesbrough.

Southampton expelled from playoff final over spying charges

Southampton will play Hull City for a place in the Premier League after coming back from a goal down to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in extra time of their Championship playoff semifinal second leg on Tuesday.

Southampton to play Hull at Wembley for Premier League place

Southampton ignored the controversy over their alleged spying on Middlesbrough to earn a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Championship play-off semifinal on Saturday.

Southampton hold Middlesbrough in play-offs after spygate row

Millwall head into the English Championship playoffs with their sights set on a "fairytale" return to the top-flight after 36 years, while Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull hope to end much shorter exiles from the Premier League.

Millwall eye 'fairytale' in Championship playoffs

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