An independent hearing regarding Southampton's potential disqualification from the Championship play-offs will occur by May 19. The club faces serious consequences for allegedly spying on a Middlesbrough training session.
Key points
Independent hearing set for on or before May 19
Southampton faces potential disqualification from play-offs
Charge stems from alleged spying on Middlesbrough's training
Evidence includes a photo of a man with a camera outside training ground
Mentioned in this story
EFL
SouthamptonMiddlesbroughChampionship
The independent hearing to determine Southampton's Championship play-off final fate will take place on or before Tuesday May 19.
It is possible that Southampton could be thrown out of the Championship play-offs and denied the chance of promotion to the Premier League, if an independent commission upholds the charge that they spied on a Middlesbrough training session in the build-up to their play-off semi-final.
Sky Sports News has since obtained a photo that shows a man outside Middlesbrough's training ground with a camera.
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Sky Sports News has obtained a photo that shows a man outside Middlesbrough’s training ground with a camera
That independent commission will now meet four days before the Championship play-off final at the very latest to determine what will happen to the Saints - who are set to meet Hull City at Wembley on Saturday May 23, with the kick-off now confirmed at 4.30pm.
Q&A
What is the timeline for the Southampton 'Spygate' hearing?
The hearing will take place on or before Tuesday, May 19.
What could happen to Southampton in the Championship play-offs?
If found guilty of spying, Southampton could be thrown out of the Championship play-offs and lose their chance for promotion.
What was the nature of the complaint against Southampton?
Middlesbrough complained that a member of Southampton's staff spied on their training session, leading to the charge of breaching EFL regulations.
What evidence has been presented in the Southampton spying case?
A photo has emerged showing a man outside Middlesbrough's training ground with a camera, which supports the spying allegations.
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The exact date and time of the independent hearing is yet to be determined.
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Keith Downie explains how alleged spying took place at Boro.
Sky Sports' Keith Downie explains how the alleged Southampton staff member was caught trying to observe a Middlesbrough training session
The EFL has confirmed that contingency plans for a change to the final proceedings are in place "should they be required" - which includes an appeal process.
In a statement, the EFL said:" 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 May 23, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm.
"Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture. The EFL has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required."
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Sky Sports News has obtained a photo that shows a man outside Middlesbrough’s training ground with a camera
The statement added that current finalists Hull and Southampton will share ticket sales processes later today, with supporters advised to pay close attention to the terms and conditions when buying those tickets.
Speaking about the decision to continue as normal with ticket sales, the EFL statement continued: "This decision follows ongoing coordination with the clubs to ensure that on-sale arrangements can be implemented as soon as practicable.
"The league recognises that this complex situation has caused concern and disruption for supporters, particularly those making travel arrangements, and will continue to provide as much clarity as possible.
"However, in these clearly exceptional circumstances, the league considers this to be the most appropriate course of action."
What are Southampton and Middlesbrough doing before the final?
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Hellberg
Following their play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton, Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg shares a passionate answer on the alleged 'spygate' drama that's surrounded the fixture
Middlesbrough players came back to the club's training ground on Thursday for a scheduled de-brief and recovery session.
This was always the plan after the play-offs, and they were set to go off on holiday on Friday if they were eliminated by Southampton.
However they are in a state of limbo with the EFL yet to decide on the charge against Southampton that they breached league regulations by observing/recording their opponents train 72 hours before a meeting of the teams.
Had they gone through to the play-off final, the loose plan was for the players to be given the weekend off before returning to train on Monday.
Southampton's players, meanwhile, are enjoying a few days off before returning to training on Sunday.
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Southampton United: Tickets confusion explained and what next for the club
Mark McAdam gives the latest on Southampton and why there was some confusion around ticket sales, as they await the outcome of the 'spygate' scandal
The Saints' plan was to always allow some rest and recovery time for the squad and staff after what's been an intense few days and busy end to the season.
The club's progression in the FA Cup meant a number of their league matches had to be moved to mid-week which lead to a frenetic end to the campaign.
Southampton removed a post around ticketing late on Wednesday night from the club's website as it had been published early by error.
