Southampton's spying on rival clubs was authorised by head coach Tonda Eckert
BBC South sports editor says cheating had become common practice
FA starts investigation into Southampton's conduct after club admitted spying on three teams during the Championship season
Saints' appeal against being thrown out of the play-offs was dismissed by a League Arbitration Panel on Wednesday night
Midfielder Leo Scienza says his side's expulsion is 'heartbreaking' and fans 'deserved better'
The club has begun refunds for tickets and transport
Middlesbrough, beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, will play Hull City for a place in the Premier League on Saturday
BBC South sports editor Lewis Coombes has said the "very integrity" of Southampton Football Club has been "undermined" by the Spygate scandal.
BBC South sports editor explains play-off final drama
The news came on Tuesday evening - Southampton thrown out of the play-offs after admitting they spied on three clubs in the Championship season.
Saints will now miss out on a game dubbed the richest in world football, with the winners of the play-off final guaranteed a minimum £110m in Premier League broadcast revenue.
Middlesbrough, beaten by Southampton in the semi-final, have been reinstated and will now play Hull City on Saturday.
The EFL charged Saints with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on 7 May.
The independent disciplinary commission also handed Southampton a four-point deduction in the Championship for next season.
Image source, OtherGood morning as we bring you all the latest news and reaction after the extraordinary events of last night when it was announced Southampton have been kicked out of the play-off final for spying on three other clubs.