Despite Southampton’s qualification for the Championship play-off final after beating Middlesbrough over two legs, a serious matter remains on their hands.
Their charge for allegedly spying on opponents Boro awaits to be dealt with, and the date for the hearing between Southampton, the EFL and an independent commission board has been confirmed.
The Saints eagerly released their ticket information early on Thursday, before seemingly being told to take it down again.
Southampton against the EFL
Middlesbrough won’t be involved in the “Spygate” independent commission hearing - it will be the EFL (as the charge-bringer) and Southampton (as the defendant), which means Boro will have no right of appeal after the decision, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett on X.
Despite submitting evidence and complaints to the EFL over the Saints’ conduct, Middlesbrough will have no involvement in the hearing on Tuesday or its result, which lies with the evidence that the football league holds.Â
It means no lawyer that Middlesbrough possess will be able to get in the way of the case’s ruling - whatever will be, will be.
The EFL is working on the basis that the play-off final will go ahead as planned, with a kick-off time of 16:30 BST, but said in their statement, "supporters should be aware that the outcome of disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture".
The situation is a vague one for both Southampton and Hull supporters, who will want clarity on the arrangements for the final.
Saints show must go on...
Southampton, despite jumping the gun with an early post that was later removed on Wednesday, released full ticket information for the play-off final once again on Thursday evening.Â
The Saints have been handed the same end of Wembley Stadium as they set up shop in both the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the 2024 Championship play-off final against Leeds United. The club has been allocated 35,984 seats in the West Stand. Saints fans will be hoping for similar celebrations to 2024, rather than the heartbreak of their outing in April.
The Southampton players are enjoying a few days off, as the plan was always to allow some rest and recovery time for the squad and staff after an intense few days and a busy end to the season, Sky Sports reports.
But the squad will be back to work on Sunday as preparation starts for their play-off final. Whatever happens in Tuesday’s hearing, they must continue to get ready - one match stands in their way of a Premier League return.
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