Southampton facing Championship Play-Off Final delay or expulsion over 'Spygate'
The EFL's independent hearing into Southampton's 'Spygate' allegations is set to take place on Friday, with the commission having the power to expel the Saints from the playoffs
Tonda Eckert's Southampton is alleged to have spied on a Middlesbrough training session -Credit:Robin Jones/Getty Images The independent hearing into 'Spygate' is set to take place on Friday, with Southampton's promotion aspirations hanging in the balance. A panel comprising three legal experts is expected to convene behind closed doors in London. The EFL have confirmed the hearing will occur "on or before Tuesday 19 May," though it is understood the session will take place on May 15.
Southampton have been charged by the EFL with spying on a training session conducted by play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough ahead of last week's Championship play-off first leg. Real Madrid star hospitalized after locker room brawl with teammate FIFA plans extended World Cup Final halftime for Super Bowl-style show Hull City are due to take on the Saints in the Championship Play-Off Final -Credit:Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images Southampton defeated Middlesbrough across both legs to secure a final showdown against Hull City. However, the showcase event, worth in excess of £200 ($269) million to the eventual winners, faces a very real threat of postponement, as per The Mirror .
The commission will scrutinize the charges and holds the authority to remove Southampton from the competition should they be found guilty. Such an outcome would trigger a legal challenge from Southampton's owners, Sport Republic, which would need to be resolved this weekend for the play-off final to still proceed at Wembley on May 23. The EFL have been unable to confirm a kick-off time for the fixture.
In the meantime, Hull have been left in an agonizing state of uncertainty as a consequence of the scandal. The Tigers have urged their frustrated supporters to remain patient, with fans currently unable to purchase tickets or arrange travel to London. To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE Tickets will not be printed or released until the outcome of the hearing has been officially confirmed.