REFILE-Soccer-Southampton appeal dismissed, will not play Championship playoff final

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 were thrown out of ⁠the final on Tuesday ​after being found guilty of ⁠spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, ⁠who ​will now face Hull City in Saturday's contest ⁠for a shot at promotion ⁠to ⁠the Premier League.