Southampton have been charged by the EFL with allegedly spying on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final first leg – an independent commission has now set a hearing date that will decide the club’s fate
The independent hearing into ‘Spygate’ is set to take place on 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 to deliberate on the matter.
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.
Southampton overcame Middlesbrough across both legs to secure a place in the final against Hull City.
However, the showpiece occasion, which is 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 should they be found guilty.
Such an outcome would, however, prompt a legal challenge from Southampton’s owners ‘Sport Republic’, which would need to be resolved this weekend if the play-off final is to proceed at Wembley on May 23, reports the Mirror.
The EFL have been unable to confirm a kick-off time for the match.
In the meantime, Hull have been left in an agonising 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.
Tickets will not be printed or made available until the outcome of the hearing has been confirmed.
The Tigers issued a statement indicating that full details regarding ticket sales would be communicated “in due course”.
It stated: “Until then, we kindly ask supporters to refrain from contacting the ticket office while final details are being confirmed. We appreciate your continued patience and support.”
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