Southampton have appealed and a new independent panel is considering the sanction, with a decision expected on Wednesday. There is still a chance that Southampton will return for Saturday’s final, and the EFL has confirmed that if they do, the kick-off time will be changed.
Announcing an update on social media, the EFL said: “Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final between Hull City and Middlesbrough will kick off at 15:30. As a result of the ongoing appeal process, if the final is contested between Hull City and Southampton, the kick-off time for this match will remain at 16:30.”
This poses a logistical nightmare not only for fans, particularly Hull, but also for Middlesbrough and Southampton, who have limited time to formalize their travel plans. There had previously been suggestions that the final could be rescheduled depending on how long the appeal process took, but that now appears to be out of the question.
Southampton were kicked out of the play-off final and ordered to start next season with a four-point deficit if they remained in the Championship. However, with Saints owner Dragan Solak reportedly furious with manager Tonda Eckert, there could be more repercussions down the road.
According to talkSPORT, Solak could pull the trigger on Eckert and his backroom staff, while the FA could also investigate the German manager. The FA will decide what role Eckert, who is said to have been unaware that spying on opponents is not allowed in English football, played in the saga and whether he could face a long-term ban.
Southampton players are also believed to be furious with the coaching staff who denied them the chance to play in the Premier League and the financial rewards that come with it. There have been suggestions that they could even sue the club for loss of income as a result.
Southampton have yet to issue a statement following their play-off final defeat, but Middlesbrough told X: “Statement from MFC: Middlesbrough Football Club welcomes the outcome of today’s Disciplinary Committee hearing, which concerns sporting integrity and conduct. We believe it sends a clear message for the future of our game. As a club, we are currently focused on Saturday’s match against Hull City at Wembley. Ticket information for supporters will be published shortly.”
