Spygate takes new twist as Millwall and Wrexham 'weigh up legal action' against Southampton

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Middlesbrough's Championship rivals Millwall and Wrexham are both reportedly weighing up legal action amid the Spygate scandal.

The Guardian reports that the two clubs are awaiting the written reasons of the independent disciplinary panel before reaching a decision. Both sides believe they may have sufficient grounds to pursue a compensation claim.

Southampton were thrown out of the Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on opponents Middlesbrough in the run-up to their semi-final first leg. The Saints emerged as 2-1 victors in the second leg, but have since been replaced by Boro in Saturday's Wembley showpiece event.

Millwall fell to Hull in the play-off semi-final, while Wrexham missed out on the play-offs entirely after finishing the season in seventh place. Wrexham have confirmed to TeessideLive that they are keeping a close eye on developments, with a club spokesperson saying: "We look forward to receiving the full details of the decision in due course."

Millwall have also been contacted for comment.

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The punishment handed to Southampton was confirmed this week, with an unsuccessful appeal from the Saints rubber-stamped on Wednesday evening. The sanctions will also see Southampton handed a four-point deduction at the start of the 2026/27 Championship season.

Hull City have also joined Millwall and Wrexham in reportedly weighing up legal action. The Tigers believe they have grounds to be promoted directly to the Premier League without participating in the play-off final.

Club owner Acun Ilicali told the Turkish press : "Under normal circumstances, two teams have reached the final and one has been disqualified. Our lawyers' opinion is that we should go directly to the Premier League, but they're examining it right now. We can't say anything definitive. It's a bit of a messy situation.

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"We had been preparing for Southampton for 10 days. All the planning, analysis, and work was focused on them. Now, with the days left until the final, the opponent has changed.

"Tomorrow the players are off, Thursday is the last serious training session. We'll prepare for the new opponent with one training session."

Southampton face further consequences from the affair, with the FA confirming it has launched a formal investigation into the matter. A statement from the governing body simply read: "We will now investigate, and won't comment further until we have assessed the evidence."

For Middlesbrough, attention will now turn to the Wembley final, with kick-off scheduled for 3.30pm. Victory would secure their place in the Premier League.

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