An independent hearing to decide Southampton’s final Championship play-off fate is expected to be held by Tuesday 19 May.
Southampton could be excluded from the Championship play-offs and denied promotion to the Premier League if an independent panel upholds charges that Southampton spied on Middlesbrough’s training sessions in the run-up to the play-off semi-finals.
Southampton have been charged with breaching EFL regulations following a complaint by Middlesbrough that Southampton staff members spied on their training sessions.
Sky Sports News later obtained a photo of a man with a camera outside Middlesbrough’s training ground.
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Sky Sports News has obtained photos showing a man with a camera outside Middlesbrough’s training ground.
That independent committee will meet at the latest four days before the Championship playoff final to decide what happens to the Saints. Saints are scheduled to face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday, May 23rd, with kick-off confirmed at 4.30pm.
The exact date and time of the independent hearing has not yet been determined.
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Sky Sports’ Keith Downie explains how an alleged Southampton staff member was caught trying to watch a Middlesbrough training session
The EFL confirmed that contingency plans are in place to change the final procedure “if necessary”, including in the event of a public hearing appeal procedure.
“The EFL has no control over the proposed schedule as the proceedings are being carried out by an independent disciplinary committee,” the EFL said in a statement.
“Despite this, the EFL continues to plan for the Championship play-off final to take place as planned on Saturday 23 May, with kick-off time set for 4.30pm.
“However, supporters should be aware that the match may be subject to change depending on the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings. The EFL has a number of contingency plans in place, including consideration of an appeals process if necessary.”
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Sky Sports News has obtained photos showing a man with a camera outside Middlesbrough’s training ground.
The statement added that current finalists Hull and Southampton would share their ticket sales process later today, and advised supporters to pay close attention to the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets.
Regarding the decision to continue ticket sales as normal, the EFL continued: “This decision is based on ongoing coordination with clubs to ensure ticket sales arrangements can be implemented as soon as possible.”
“The League recognizes that this complex situation has caused concern and confusion for supporters, particularly those making travel arrangements, and will continue to provide as much clarity as possible.
“However, in these clearly exceptional circumstances, the league believes this is the most appropriate course of action.”
What are Southampton and Middlesbrough doing before the final?
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After losing to Southampton in the play-off semi-finals, Middlesbrough manager Kim Helberg gave a passionate response to the alleged ‘Spygate’ drama surrounding the match.
Middlesbrough players returned to the club’s training ground on Thursday for a scheduled debrief and recovery session.
This was the usual plan after the play-offs, with Friday being a day off if they were eliminated by Southampton.
However, the EFL is still in limbo as it has not yet been able to make a decision on charges against Southampton that it breached league rules to observe/record opponents’ practice 72 hours before a team meeting.
If they reached the play-off final, the rough plan was for the players to be given a weekend off and then return to training on Monday.
Meanwhile, Southampton’s players are enjoying a few days off before returning to training on Sunday.
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Mark McAdam gives the latest on Southampton and why there has been confusion over ticket sales as we await the outcome of the ‘Spygate’ scandal
The Saints’ plan has always been to give the team and staff time to rest and recover after a busy season ended in a tense few days.
The club’s success in the FA Cup saw many league matches postponed to midweek, marking a frenetic end to the season.
Southampton removed a post about ticket sales from the club’s website late on Wednesday night, saying it had been published early by mistake.
