Southampton have been charged by the EFL with spying on a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough ahead of last week’s Championship play-off first leg.
Referee Andy Madley has words with Kim Hellberg of Middlesbrough and Tonda Eckert of Southampton as tempers simmer during the semi-final(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
The independent hearing into ‘Spygate’ is scheduled for Friday, with Southampton’s promotion hopes hanging in the balance.
A panel comprising three legal experts is expected to convene behind closed doors in London. Southampton have been charged by the EFL with spying on a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough ahead of last week’s Championship play-off first leg.
Southampton overcame Middlesbrough across both legs to secure a final showdown with Hull City. However, the showcase match, worth in excess of £200m to the eventual victors, is at serious risk of being postponed.
The commission will scrutinise the charges and holds the authority to remove Southampton from the competition if they are found guilty. Such a ruling would inevitably trigger a legal challenge from Southampton’s owners, Sport Republic, which would need to be heard this weekend if the play-off final is to proceed at Wembley on 23 May, reports the Mirror.
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The EFL has yet to confirm a kick-off time for the match. In the meantime, Hull City have been left in an agonising state of uncertainty as a direct consequence of the scandal.
The Tigers have urged their supporters to remain patient, with frustrated fans unable to buy tickets or make travel arrangements for the trip to the capital.
Tickets will not be printed or released until the outcome of the hearing has been announced.
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