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Southampton's promotion to the Championship Play-Off Final is at risk due to allegations of spying on Middlesbrough's training. An independent hearing is scheduled for May 15 to address the 'Spygate' controversy.
Tonda Eckert's Southampton is alleged to have spied on a Middlesbrough training session -Credit:Robin Jones/Getty Images
(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.
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.
Southampton is accused of spying on a Middlesbrough training session, which has raised concerns about their promotion prospects.
The independent hearing is set to take place on May 15, with the EFL confirming it will occur on or before May 19.
If found guilty, Southampton could face delays in their Championship Play-Off Final participation or even expulsion from the playoffs.
The hearing will involve a panel of three legal experts who will review the allegations against Southampton.

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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.
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Tickets will not be printed or released until the outcome of the hearing has been officially confirmed. The Tigers released a statement indicating complete information regarding the ticket sales procedure would be shared "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."
An EFL statement on Thursday said: "The EFL can today provide an interim update on the ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton following Tuesday's Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg," they 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 4.30pm.
"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."