Southampton face play-off expulsion as EFL probes wider Championship "Spygate"

Southampton are alleged to have spied on other Championship clubs in evidence submitted to the English Football League.

On Friday, Middlesbrough demanded Tonda Eckert’s side be thrown out of next Saturday’s play-off final, claiming it would be “the only appropriate response” to the Spygate claims which have rocked the sport.

The EFL will rule on that next week and it is understood it has strong written evidence to support the accusation that Southampton – who have pleaded guilty to spying on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of their semi-final – also had an analyst watch at least one other team train this season.

It is also thought other clubs have privately expressed concerns about Southampton’s apparent level of knowledge of their tactics and set-piece routines when they faced Eckert’s side.

If an independent panel believes Southampton regularly spied on opposition teams, they could be expelled from the play-off final.

Middlesbrough, who are unhappy they will not be able to attend the hearing, released a statement on Friday confirming that expulsion is the outcome they are pursuing after handing over evidence to the EFL. Southampton beat Middlesbrough in extra time on Monday to reach the Wembley final in which they are due to play Hull City on May 23.

However, the final may be rescheduled depending on the outcome of the hearing due to take place on or before Tuesday.

Middlesbrough say Southampton’s conduct goes against “sporting integrity and fair competition” and insist that a sporting sanction is the only fair outcome. Their statement read: “We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.”

Meanwhile, Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic says the Championship play-off final must go ahead as planned and warned a delay could endanger players.

The EFL is considering postponing the match to give itself more time to decide whether to remove Southampton after a member of their analyst team allegedly spied on a Middlesbrough training session last week.

Hull’s place in the play-off final was secured when they beat Millwall 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final on Monday.

Jakirovic is adamant the game should not be moved and raised concerns over the short turnaround between the first and second legs of their semi-final, followed by a long gap until the final.

In his mind, the short turnaround then a long wait, which could be even longer if the final is postponed, is potentially dangerous for his players. “The game must be Saturday,” Jakirovic told Telegraph Sport. “Because how can I keep focus and concentration for the players if they will postpone this game?

“We played two games in three days and then you’re waiting 12 days for the final. Why? They need to change this. If you are playing Friday, then you can play [the second leg] Tuesday, Wednesday.

“If there are more days for recovery then the fans can expect better performances. Because to play [the second leg] on the third day [after the first leg], it’s very, very dangerous, especially at the end of the season. So they can change this. And then after five, six days, there is a final. Because [the gap] it’s too long. Next Saturday must be the game.”

Jakirovic says he is preparing to play Southampton but acknowledged he will have to change his plans if they are removed.

“We have just focused on ourselves,” the Bosnian said. “Before the first leg, I didn’t know about this spy affair, spygate, whatever. I said: ‘Why are they doing this because I know everything about Southampton because we played them two times already?’

“We are preparing for Southampton in the final because they won against Middlesbrough. Then we will see. Maybe they will change something, God knows! If it’s in my country, normal, we are playing against Southampton, that’s it. But OK there are rules. I just focus on my team and the preparation.”

The English Football League is considering postponing the Championship play-off final to give itself more time to decide whether to remove Southampton.

An independent disciplinary hearing is to review evidence from Middlesbrough that a member of Southampton’s analyst team spied on a crucial training session last week.

It will also consider the south-coast club’s response to a misconduct charge and any pleas for mitigation.

The EFL announced that the hearing would take place on or before May 19. Although it was still hoping to hold the final on May 23, it admitted it may have to be moved.

The window for the hearing, a verdict and possible appeal from either club is expected to take several days, which makes a postponement a real possibility.

Hull City, who reached Wembley by beating Millwall in their semi-final, announced on Thursday that they were not able to tell supporters when tickets would be released, or even the date and time of the match.

Telegraph Sport understands that Hull are also unhappy with the uncertainty. Although they are preparing to face Southampton, if Middlesbrough are reinstated they will have to adjust their game plan to new opponents at short notice. With that in mind, Hull could also favour a postponement to allow a full week of training to tune up for a different team.

With the saga dragging on as both Southampton and Middlesbrough prepare their arguments to present to the panel, it has forced the EFL to admit it has contingency plans in place to rearrange the date for the final.

That would give it more time to come to a final judgment and to also hear any appeals against the disciplinary panel’s verdict.

But one complicating factor is the limited availability of Wembley Stadium which is scheduled to host the League One and League Two play-off finals on the following Sunday and bank holiday Monday. With the last weekend in May already booked out for rugby league’s Challenge Cup final (Saturday May 30) and the women’s FA Cup final (Sunday May 31), and some players required for international World Cup duty in June, the only available space to stage the match at Wembley would appear to be a midweek evening kick-off between Tuesday May 26 and Friday May 29. Wembley is currently booked to be transformed for Capital’s Summertime Ball during the first week of June ahead of a summer of musical concerts.

An EFL statement read: “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.

“The independent disciplinary commission hearing will take place on or before Tuesday May 19. 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, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm on Saturday May 23.

“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.”

Middlesbrough have made it clear they are pushing for the severest sporting sanctions, which would mean Southampton are kicked out of the play-offs, after publicly and privately accusing the club of cheating.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has asked prominent sports lawyer Nick De Marco to lead their case and sources on Teesside are confident they have built up a compelling argument for Southampton to be expelled.

Not only do they have proof that Southampton analyst William Salt recorded their training session last Thursday, they are also thought to have evidence that suggests it was not an isolated incident. This includes a statement from a whistleblower at Southampton who has alleged sending someone to spy on opposition teams was a regular occurrence this season.

With Hull still unsure over which team they will face in the play-off final, the club issued a statement on Thursday after being inundated with ticket enquiries from confused supporters.

A club statement read: “Thank you for your patience while we await confirmation of the kick-off time for our Sky Bet Championship play-off final.

“We know many of you have contacted the ticket office in recent days, and we wanted to provide supporters with as much information as possible ahead of sales opening.

“Full details, including confirmed sale dates and kick-off time, will be communicated in due course. 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.”

Despite losing the semi-final 2-1 on Tuesday night, the Middlesbrough squad returned to training on Thursday and will be at the training ground again on Friday believing they could be reinstated.

Despite the warning from the EFL that the fixture could be changed, both in terms of date and teams competing, Southampton announced on Thursday night that they would begin selling tickets for the final on Friday morning.

There was no mention of the forthcoming hearing in the club’s statement on their official website or reference to Middlesbrough’s complaint and the potential consequences if the panel rules against them.

EFL could change Championship play-off final date with Southampton ‘Spygate’ hearing deadline set

The EFL has said that the hearing into Southampton’s spying charges will be heard on or before Tuesday – but is planning for them to play in the Championship play-off final next Saturday.

But the Football League has warned it has made contingency plans which could involve postponing the fixture at Wembley depending on the verdict and whether it brings an appeal.

Saints face two charges after an analyst was allegedly found spying on their play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough last week, a breach of Football League regulations.

An independent disciplinary commission will hear two charges early next week and a judgement could be delivered on Tuesday – though it may come later in the week.

Either the EFL or Southampton would then have the option to appeal against it - though Middlesbrough do not – in a process which normally takes 14 days, but which would be expedited.

Potential punishments, if Southampton are found guilty, could involve expulsion from the play-offs or points deductions as well as a fine or a warning.

Middlesbrough, who were beaten 2-1 on aggregate, are pushing for a sporting sanction and manager Kim Hellberg has accused Southampton of cheating.

And Boro are thought to be preparing in case they are readmitted to the competition and replace Southampton in the final.

Tickets are going on sale for the supposed match between Southampton and Hull but the EFL warned supporters to be careful when booking travel and accommodation and warned that they do not control the timescale.

It is also anticipated that, should the game be postponed and a new date organised, the two finalists would need at least a week sell tickets and make other arrangements.

The EFL said in a statement: “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.

“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.”

Middlesbrough call for Southampton to be thrown out of Championship play-offs after ’Spygate’

Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be kicked out of the Championship play-offs over spying allegations.

The Saints were charged by the EFL last Friday with observing a training session at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park complex, two days before the sides met in a play-off semi-final first leg.

Middlesbrough confirmed on Friday they had sought to be a party in the independent commission hearing but were denied the opportunity.

“Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC,” the club statement read.

“The club regrets that outcome given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.

“The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.

“We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.”

The Championship play-off final next Sunday could well be moved, with a hearing date set for Tuesday next week for the Saints to find out their fate.

Boro will not be able to participate in the hearing in any way.

Unpicking EFL spygate statement & what it means for Middlesbrough, Southampton & Hull

IT’S been a dramatic week of developments on and off the pitch on Teesside.

Middlesbrough lost 2-1 to Southampton after extra time in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg on Tuesday night, but the battle between the clubs rumbles on after Saints were caught allegedly spying on Boro at Rockliffe.

Southampton were charged with misconduct last week and the EFL have now confirmed the Independent Disciplinary Commission will hold its hearing in the next four days.

Here’s the latest and what the EFL statement means for Boro, Southampton and Hull City, who are waiting to discover who they’ll play in the final.

WHAT DID THE EFL SAY?

You’ll have obviously seen it by now, but to recap, here’s what the EFL statement, released on Thursday teatime, 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.

“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 schedule 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.”

WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

First of all, it’s the first time we’ve heard from the EFL since confirmation last Friday night that Southampton had been charged.

And it’s the first time a specific timeframe was made public for the hearing. Before then, all the EFL could say was that they had asked the panel to "shorten the response period" - it’s usually 14 days" and "list a hearing at the earliest opportunity".

While we know the hearing will now take place on or before next Tuesday, May 19, it’s understood the EFL are still pushing for it to be held as soon as possible.

The most significant passage of the statement, however, was undoubtedly confirmation that the play-off final could be moved depending on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.

That essentially confirmed that Southampton’s expulsion from the play-offs is very much one of the options on the table here, for that - at this stage - would be the only outcome that would result in the final needing to be moved.

WHAT ABOUT TICKETS?

Tickets for the scheduled final, on Saturday, May 23, are now on sale to Southampton and Hull supporters, though the EFL said "fans are encouraged to pay particular attention to the terms and conditions".

The League added: "Likewise, supporters should consider the situation when booking any associated travel and accommodation.

"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 HAPPENS IF THE FINAL DOES GET MOVED?

If the final does get moved, it wouldn’t be possible for it to be shifted back a week and still take place at Wembley, for the national stadium is hosting rugby league’s Challenge Cup final and the women’s FA Cup final the weekend after the scheduled play-off finals.

And it couldn’t take place after that because clubs have to release international players for this summer’s World Cup in line with FIFA rules.

That means, if it was to be held at Wembley, which would almost certainly be the EFL’s preference, it would have to take place in the midweek following the current scheduled date.

No other football stadiums come close to the 90,000 Wembley capacity, so if the final was to take place elsewhere, that would have a significant impact on allocations, and there’s also the EFL’s corporate guests to take into account.

WHAT’S THE LATEST FROM THE BORO END?

Boro, we know, are pushing for the strongest possible sporting sanctions, which they made clear from the very start.

Their case is now headed up by leading sports lawyer Nick De Marco. Boro have picture evidence of Southampton performance analyst intern William Salt watching their training at Rockliffe two days before the first leg. Clubs are banned from observing opponents train in the 72 hours prior to a game.

Boro are also understood to have CCTV footage and details of a credit card allegedly used by Salt at Rockliffe Hall Golf Club, next to the training ground and also on land privately owned by Steve Gibson.

Boro are also understood to have a statement from a former member of Southampton’s staff. Club officials and the legal team are continuing to gather more evidence.

Boro have engaged other Championship clubs who are understood to believe they have also been the victims of spying.

It’s understood the Independent Disciplinary Commission have denied Boro’s request to participate in the hearing. As per standard procedure, the hearing will involve the EFL, who are bringing the matter, and Southampton, who in this case are the defendants. Boro will be able to make a written submission, though they won’t be able to appeal the commission’s decision. In that scenario, though, given the strength of feeling on Teesside, Boro would almost certainly still launch a separate compensation claim.

As for the squad and preparations for any potential final should Southampton get kicked out, Boro’s players were at Rockliffe on Thursday for what was a planned debrief after Tuesday’s game.

They’re now understood to have been given the weekend off, which would have been the case had Boro won on Tuesday night, but as things stand are due to report back in at Rockliffe on Monday.

WHAT HAVE SOUTHAMPTON SAID?

The last we heard from Southampton was when their press officer took umbrage to Tonda Eckert being asked whether he was a cheat and asked for the club to be "shown some respect", which came at the end of an evening during which Boro’s first team coach had been peltered by missiles on its arrival, captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis allegedly goaded Boro’s Luke Ayling about his stammer and the Southampton defender was also pictured mocking Aidan Morris with a binoculars celebration after Shea Charles’ late winner.

Eckert also raised his hands to Kim Hellberg in the technical area when referee Andy Madley approached the head coaches to make them aware of Ayling’s accusation of the use of discriminatory language from Harwood-Bellis. Ayling later decided not to pursue the matter.

Eckert said on Tuesday the club are aware of the seriousness of the matter at hand in regards to the misconduct charge, but in two club statements and two post-match press conferences, Southampton haven’t issued any denials.

WHAT ABOUT HULL?

Hull City are the other party actively involved here, for the Tigers are waiting to discover who they’ll play in the play-off final and when.

Owner Acun Ilicali appeared on talkSPORT this week and admitted he’d be "furious" if he was in Boro’s position.

He said: “I don’t know what the officials will decide. I don’t want to make any statements because it’s something that is being investigated. We don’t know who is involved or who is responsible. At this time, it’s better for me not to comment.”

Asked how he’d feel if Hull had been spied on, he said: “I would be furious. If everything is completely true and there is zero doubt, I would be furious.

“And I would ask this question: How many times has it happened before. I would be very, very angry, of course, if everything is so solid. As a person, I don’t understand why people do things like that.

“I always run for justice in my life. But you see many things in life that surprises you, and on this I am surprised too. I know the owners of Southampton - they are good people and I am sure this is nothing to do with them.

“But whoever is involved on the technical side, I do not know. Whoever is involved, I think, put the evil in the football world this week.”

Hull City sporting director Jared Dublin also had his say on the matter.

He told Hull Live: "No, not a good look for football, not a good look for the EFL for sure, unfortunately. At this moment in time, we’re preparing for Southampton, that’s all we can do.

"We don’t want to go to Wembley with any excuses on this, that, distraction, noise, so the message to the players, the message to the staff is, we’re preparing for Southampton away at Wembley and see what comes.

"We’ll let the distractions be over with Middlesbrough and Southampton; we don’t want any in our house. All the players I spoke to today (Thursday) at the canteen, and the gaffer as well, the message was that we’re preparing for Southampton, that’s what we’re doing until we’re told otherwise.

"Now we know that there’s a hearing on Tuesday, whatever comes will come. We’ll react as appropriate and as necessary to obviously protect our football club and our interests, but right now we are one hundred per cent focused on Southampton, away at Wembley."

Hull City Official Supporters Club have now released a statement of their own.

It says: “The Hull City Official Supporters Club are currently liaising with other supporters groups to register our concern over the possible moving of the play-off final with the EFL.

“This is a situation in which we have had no influence but in which we are, both as a football club and supporters, being penalised. Any decision to move the date of the final will result in many of our supporters not only losing out financially but then facing the prospect of being unable to attend the re-arranged fixture.

“Given that this is a situation which has largely resulted from the EFL’s own error in failing to publish the sanctions for a breach of the rule regarding “spying” on opposition teams we feel this is manifestly unfair.”

Major Spygate update as Southampton hearing date set with play-off final at risk

An independent hearing into ’Spygate’ will take place on Friday.

A commission made up of three legal experts is expected to hold the meeting behind closed doors in London to decide the fate of Southampton’s promotion hopes. The EFL have confirmed it will take place ’on or before Tuesday’, but stopped short of confirming exactly when. It’s understood it will happen in the next 24 hours as the EFL amid worries that the play-off final may need to be postponed.

Middlesbrough were beaten in gutting fashion by Southampton on Tuesday, with the south coast side setting up a final showdown with Hull City. But the Saints have been charged by the EFL with spying on a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough ahead of last week’s Championship play-off, first leg.

As Middlesbrough are still awaiting the outcome of the investigation and potential sanctions, they’ve asked their players to report to training in the possibility of Southampton being expelled from the competition if found guilty.

The commission will examine the charges and the showpiece game at Wembley on May 23rd - worth more than £200m to the eventual winners - could be in serious danger of getting postponed.

If Saints are found guilty and expelled, the EFL are likely to find a legal challenge from Southampton’s owners ’Sport Republic’ coming their way - which would have to be held this weekend if the play-off final was to still take place on its allotted date.

The EFL have been unable to confirm what time the game will kick-off.

As the fallout continues, Hull have been left in limbo as a result of the scandal.

The Tigers have now pleaded for patience from frustrated fans, who have been unable to purchase tickets or book travel arrangements for the trip to London. Tickets will not be printed or made available until the outcome of the hearing has been confirmed.

The Tigers issued a statement saying full details of the ticket sales process would be communicated "in due course".

It said: "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."

Middlesbrough call on EFL to kick Southampton out of play-off final against Hull City

Middlesbrough have called on the EFL to kick Southampton out of the Championship play-off final against Hull City, which is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium next Saturday.

Southampton have been charged with spying on Boro’s training session ahead of last Saturday’s play-off semi-final first leg at the Riverside Stadium, which ended goalless.

The South Coast club won the second leg 2-1 after extra-time, but now face disciplinary proceedings with an independent panel expected to hand out their punishment early next week, with a chance the game could yet be postponed despite tickets going on sale on Friday.

One of the punishments could be expulsion from the play-off final, while a heavy fine and points deduction are also possible sanctions, but Boro want their Championship rivals booted out. The Teesside outfit stopped short of suggesting they should take the place of Tonda Eckert’s side, but did reveal their frustrations at not being allowed to be part of the independent panel’s hearing

"Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC," Boro wrote in a statement on Friday.

"The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.

"The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.

"We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League. The club reserves all its legal rights."

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Middlesbrough call for Southampton to be thrown out of Championship play-offs

Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be kicked out of the Championship play-offs over spying allegations.

The Saints were charged by the EFL last Friday with observing a training session at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park complex, two days before the sides met in a play-off semi-final first leg.

Middlesbrough confirmed on Friday they had sought to be a party in the independent commission hearing but were denied the opportunity.

"The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact," a statement from the Teesside club read.

"The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition.

"In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final."

Boro urged the EFL to pursue a sporting sanction against Southampton at the hearing "in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League".

The statement concluded: "The club reserves all its legal rights."

It is understood Boro have enlisted the services of top sports lawyer Nick De Marco in this case.

The ’Spygate’ proceedings could force a delay to the play-off final on May 23.

The initial hearing will take place on or before next Tuesday, but an appeal may also need to be heard before next Saturday, creating a week of uncertainty for fans, players and staff of Southampton, their final opponents Hull and Middlesbrough.

The EFL said on Thursday it had "a number of contingency plans" in place depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Tickets went on sale to Southampton and Hull fans on Friday morning.

Southampton have not publicly responded to Middlesbrough’s statement, but sources close to the club privately expressed surprise at the tone of it, which they see as an attempt by Boro to strong-arm the EFL.

Championship play-off final may be delayed by ’Spygate’ as Southampton hearing date set

The club were charged last week by the EFL with spying on a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, with the league asking for an independent commission to examine the case “at the earliest opportunity”.

The EFL issued a statement on Thursday afternoon to say the hearing would take place “on or before Tuesday, May 19”.

Given the high stakes involved, an appeal from one or more parties in the case seems almost certain, putting a question mark over whether the appeal could be heard before the date scheduled for the final, May 23, if the initial hearing does not happen until Tuesday.

However, the EFL said it “continues to plan on the basis that the Championship play-off final will take place as scheduled”.

The EFL said the match was scheduled to kick off at 4.30pm BST.

The Saints had booked their place in the season finale at Wembley Stadium after a dramatic 2-1 win over Middlesbrough in the semi-finals.

All three goals on aggregate were scored in the second leg at St Mary’s after a dire opening fixture at the Riverside Stadium.

Tonda Eckert’s men will face Hull City in the capital, after Sergej Jakirovic’s side defeated Millwall, who finished third in the Championship table, in a stunning 2-0 win at The Den.