The EFL has indicated that Southampton could be thrown out of the Championship play-offs and the date of the Wembley final moved, if the club are found guilty in their ‘Spygate’ hearing.
As revealed by Daily Mail Sport last Thursday, a Southampton first-team analyst was caught allegedly filming Middlesbrough’s training from behind a tree ahead of Saturday’s play-off semi-final first leg, which ended goalless. On Friday night, the EFL charged the south coast club with a breach of their rules.
Saints won Tuesday’s return leg 2-1 to set up a Wembley date versus Hull City, but that is now in doubt. Boro are pushing for Southampton to be expelled and an independent commission will decide on the punishment by next week, leaving the date and location of the final and the identity of Hull's opponents uncertain.
If it is proven that Southampton spied on opposition teams on several occasions, as a whistleblower is thought to have indicated in a statement to be used in evidence, then Tonda Eckert’s side would likely be removed from the competition and Boro would take their place in the final.
Middlesbrough’s legal team are pushing for bank statements and electronic devices to be handed over as part of the case, given they could provide a paper trail of unsporting espionage around the country.
An EFL statement read: '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 Championship play-off final could be postponed dependent on the outcome of the 'Spygate' scandal (pictured - the alleged Southampton analyst who was accused of spying)
William Salt, circled, pictured with manager Tonda Eckert to mark February's Manager of the Month award, has been identified as the individual involved. He is an intern at the club
'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.’
Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Wednesday that the individual involved has been identified as Southampton intern William Salt.
Our Spygate investigation also uncovered a picture of Salt on the shoulder of Southampton boss Eckert, celebrating his manager of the month prize for February. Salt, say sources, is a key part of Eckert’s first-team operation and highly valued by the German.
If spying on opponents is proven to be a systemic practice within the club, it would raise serious questions over the futures of senior individuals who sanctioned the tactic.
Southampton ultimately beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate to reach the play-off final, which is scheduled for next Saturday at Wembley
The EFL's statement also comes after Southampton removed play-off final ticket information from their website, having initially revealed on Wednesday that sales would begin on Friday morning.
The information had stated that tickets would be made available to season ticket holders who have attended 10 or more away games across the past two seasons.
Additional ticket windows for next Monday and Tuesday were also announced by the club.
Southampton had confirmed full ticket details, including coach travel and said that pricing would be released this morning.
The Championship side then pulled the information from their website. However, rather than being due to the ongoing spying investigation, it was reportedly because they are required by the EFL to publish ticket details at the same time as their opponents Hull City.