Hull City may not know for certain until next week who they will meet in the play-off final and when
The official Sky Bet EFL match ball.
Hull City’s opponents in the Championship play-off final or the date of the game may not be known for certain until just days before the planned game at Wembley after a warning from the EFL that “changes to the fixture” could still be made next week.
The EFL have issued a statement confirming the Championship play-off final is scheduled to take place with a 4:30pm kick-off on Saturday May 23, however there could still be a change to the fixture depending on an independent hearing.
Southampton are to be investigated by an independent panel having been accused of alleged spying on opponents Middlesbrough ahead of their play-off semi-final first-leg meeting. The Saints beat Middlesbrough over the two-legged play-offs to set up a meeting with Hull City at Wembley, but that game is still not certain to happen, at least when planned.
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An independent commission made up of lawyers will sit to hear the evidence against Southampton, but at present a date for that meeting is not set and could take place anytime up to Tuesday May 19, four days before the play-off final. That hearing could result in Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs, which in turn could then be legally challenged by the Saints, further delaying matters and likely the game.
For now, City, Southampton and the EFL are continuing the scheduled plans for the match between the sides with tickets set to finally go on sale after being delayed due to the ongoing Sygate scandal.
A statement from the EFL reads; “The EFL can today provide an interim update on the ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton following Tuesday’s Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg.
“The Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing will take place on or before Tuesday 19May. The exact date remains under discussion and is expected to be confirmed shortly.
“The Commission will issue its decision as soon as possible following consideration of the relevant submissions and evidence.
“As the proceedings are being conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, the EFL does not control the proposed timetable. Notwithstanding this, the EFL continues to plan on the basis that the Championship Play-Off Final will take place as scheduled on Saturday 23May, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm.
“Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture. The EFL has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required.”
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