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Could Southampton be forced out of Premier League promotion play-off for spying?
TL;DR
Southampton faces potential disqualification from the Premier League promotion play-off due to allegations of spying on Middlesbrough's training. The incident, reminiscent of the NFL's Spygate, could significantly impact the promotion outcome.
Key points
- Southampton accused of spying on Middlesbrough's training
- Incident could lead to disqualification from promotion play-off
- EFL promotion play-off final scheduled for May 23
SouthamptonMiddlesbroughHull CityEFL Championship
NFL fans are well aware of Spygate when the Patriots filmed Jets signals back in 2007. Well, Spygate is back and it's gone global.
On Saturday, May 23, Southampton and Hull City are scheduled to face each other in the EFL promotion play-off final at Wembley Stadium in London. The winner would earn promotion to the Premier League, securing the final promotion spot from the second-tier EFL Championship.
To get to that game, though, both Hull and Southampton had to navigate a play-off semifinal. And that's where we've landed on a scandal that could have a transformative impact one way or the other.
Middlesbrough, which lost to Southampton in the semifinal, alleged that it caught a Southampton employee spying on training 48 hours before that decisive second leg. The filming was captured in a photo, and, well, it wasn't exactly discreet.
What was Middlesbrough's response?
Given that Middlesbrough lost that second leg, Boro have taken this scandal up the chain of EFL discipline. And the club is seeking to have Southampton removed from the play-off final.
If that argument is successful, Middlesbrough would take on Hull City instead. And the winner would gain promotion to England's top flight and the financial windfall that comes with playing in the world's best league.
When will we know if anything happens to Southampton?
The EFL has taken the allegations seriously enough to send the case to an independent disciplinary panel with a decision to be made by Tuesday. There is also a chance the final could be rescheduled depending on the decision.
The EFL said in a statement:
“The Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing will take place on or before Tuesday, 19 May. The exact date remains under discussion and is expected to be confirmed shortly.
"The Commission will issue its decision as soon as possible following consideration of the relevant submissions and evidence.
“As the proceedings are being conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, the EFL does not control the proposed timetable.
“Notwithstanding this, the EFL continues to plan on the basis that the Championship Play-Off Final will take place as scheduled on Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4:30 pm.
Q&A
What are the allegations against Southampton regarding spying?
Southampton is accused of having an employee spy on Middlesbrough's training sessions before their play-off semifinal match.
How could Southampton be affected by the spying scandal?
If found guilty, Southampton could be forced out of the promotion play-off, impacting their chances of reaching the Premier League.
What is the significance of the EFL promotion play-off final?
The EFL promotion play-off final determines which team secures the last spot for promotion to the Premier League, making it a crucial match for both Southampton and Hull City.
