Why Southampton’s alleged spying scandal has left the EFL in an impossible position

It was a cross that may have only served to increase the anger. Shea Charles’s extra-time play-off semi-final winner against Middlesbrough was inadvertent, an attempt to find a teammate that reaped a greater reward. It was scarcely the product of planning.

There may be an irony in that, given that Southampton’s attempts to prepare for the first leg involved – allegedly – a staff member hiding in the bushes at Boro’s training ground, looking for information in illicit ways. Illegal, too, given the EFL rulebook. Spygate 2.

0 has become the biggest crisis in play-off history. The EFL could have been forgiven for celebrating when Riley McGree put Middlesbrough ahead at St Mary’s on Tuesday; not from bias, but because it threatened to avoid the most damaging scenario. Which, with Southampton prevailing and now favourites to beat Hull at Wembley on 23 May , is of a tainted triumph, a promotion aided by – to use a word Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has deployed – cheating.

Southampton beat Middlesbrough in extra time to reach the play-off final – but could yet face punishment (PA) Had Boro progressed, the EFL’s charge against Southampton could have been heard and, if proven, a punishment applied in a different context. Now this risks being Spygate £200m, given the potential value of a place in the Premier League. Through no fault of its own, the EFL is in an impossible position.