EFL says the Championship play-off final might be postponed, and they’ve shared an update about it.
The EFL has announced that there will be a hearing about the ‘Spygate’ controversy surrounding the Championship play-offs. Southampton and Hull City are set to face each other at Wembley on May 23, but Southampton is under the spotlight after claims that one of their analysts was sent to watch their semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, and possibly three other clubs.
Middlesbrough made a complaint before their semi-final, leading the EFL to start an investigation between the two legs of the semi-final. According to the EFL’s initial statement, they asked Southampton for their side of the story about the complaint relating to alleged unauthorized filming before the first leg of their semi-final.
Southampton won the tie with a late goal from Shea Charles in extra time at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday, but the Spygate issue still hangs over their win. Meanwhile, Hull have been preparing for all possibilities—even the unlikely one that Southampton could be expelled.
Legal expert Fraser MacKinven told SPORTbible, “If the charge is proven, the Independent Disciplinary Commission might hand down a sporting punishment, not just a fine. Even if Southampton loses points, it might not help Middlesbrough because any penalty could apply next season, not affecting this play-off.”
The league shared on Thursday that the hearing will happen on or before May 19. They said, “The EFL can now give an update on the ongoing disciplinary process involving Southampton after Tuesday’s second leg. The Commission will make a decision as soon as they’ve reviewed all the evidence.”
Since the hearing is run by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, the EFL doesn’t control the schedule. However, they are still planning for the Championship Play-Off Final to go ahead as planned on Saturday, May 23, at 4:30 pm.
They warned fans that the outcome of the hearing could still lead to changes in the schedule. The EFL has backup plans ready, including handling any appeals if needed.
Hull earned their spot in the Wembley final with a 2-0 win over Millwall on Monday at the Den.