Hull City are patiently waiting to see what happens regarding the ‘Spygate’ furore between Southampton and Middlesbrough as they seek clarity on whom they’ll face in the Championship play-off final
Hull City remain in the dark as to whom they’ll face out of Southampton or Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Hull City are carrying on like business as usual despite the fact it is still uncertain who they’ll face in the Championship play-off final. That’s thanks to the ‘Spygate’ spectre looming over Southampton’s semi-final win against Middlesbrough, which may yet see the Teessiders make it to Wembley instead.
The Mirror reported a hearing will take place on Friday to determine whether allegations of Southampton spying on Boro’s training will result in any punishment. And depending on the severity of any decision, that could heavily influence Hull’s plans ahead of their trip to Wembley, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 23.
The Tigers have released a statement thanking their fans for showing patience on the matter, while Southampton quietly removed all trace of ticketing information for the final amid doubts they’ll even feature. And the Hull Daily Mail breaks down all possible directions this season could move ahead of one of the most important fixtures in any football calendar.
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Southampton ejected
The one outcome Middlesbrough supporters are praying comes true would be to see Southampton booted from the final. Pictures were released showing analysis intern William Salt appearing to record their pre-play-off training from behind a tree, while it’s reported at least two other Championship clubs are also giving evidence accusing Southampton of ‘spying’ this season.
This could unfold in one of two ways: Either Southampton are ejected and replaced by Middlesbrough in the final, or the EFL decides neither team will advance to Wembley, meaning Hull are promoted by default.
No prizes for guessing which of those outcome Hull fans would like to see materialise. However, it may be a pipe dream to expect the play-off final would be called off altogether given the logistics, amount of money lost from not staging the fixture and the fact many fans will have already spent money on travel and accommodation to attend.
Play-off final postponed
With such a tight turnaround and given the gravity of these accusations, there’s an outside chance the play-off final is moved to a later date. It’s understood the option is being considered amid the uncertainty ahead of Friday’s hearing date but remains unlikely at this stage.
Sergej Jakirovic would undoubtedly feel frustration with that outcome as he looks to maintain momentum from his side’s semi-final win over Millwall. On the plus side, any delay could allow the injured trio of Cody Drameh, Toby Collyer and Amir Hadziahmetovic additional time to regain fitness ahead of the final.
Financial or points penalties
Arguably the most likely outcome if Southampton were found to have breached EFL rules would be the a points or monetary fine over their alleged wrongdoing. It’s possible this could also apply in addition to a heavier punishment.
Leeds United were fined £200,000 and reprimanded following their own spying controversy back in 2019. Then-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa claimed to have paid the EFL penalty personally after owning up to spying on just about all of his side’s opponents in the 2018-19 campaign.
A points penalty for next season, whether that’s in the Premier League or Championship, would surely be the more disastrous outcome for Southampton. As if staying in England’s top flight wasn’t hard enough, starting the campaign on negative points would represent an even greater likelihood of a Premier League death sentence.
READ MORE: Championship play-off final update and Hull City statement amid uncertainty as ‘all options considered’READ MORE: Hull City’s Wembley plan laid out as Tigers prepare for football’s biggest game
Southampton cleared
The one Saints fans far and wide are hoping for. The independent commission in charge of the hearing could well find Southampton weren’t in breach of any rules given their member of staff in question appeared to be merely recording from a vantage located in a public area next to the training ground.
Boro would view the situation otherwise. However, this too seems unlikely given the recent furore that’s engulfed the entire incident.
Eckert suspended
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert and technical advisor Johannes Spors are understood to be the names in the firing line if any heads are to roll at St. Mary’s. The possibility of a suspension has been reportedly discussed for one or both figures in the event the Saints are found to have breached EFL rules.
In the event Southampton were still allowed to play the Championship play-off final, doing so without one’s manager present would be a first. And that could well put the ball in Hull’s court as they look to capitalise.
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