Hull City are due to reach the Championship play-off final and face Southampton, but their participation is highly doubtful following allegations of spying from their semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.
Referee Andy Madrid exchanges words with Middlesbrough’s Kim Helberg and Southampton’s Tonda Eckert as frustrations mount in the semi-final (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
An independent inquest into ‘Spygate’ will take place on Friday and will decide the fate of Southampton’s promotion hopes.
The committee, made up of three legal experts, is expected to meet behind closed doors in London. The EFL confirmed that the games will be held “on or before Tuesday 19th May”, but it is understood they will convene on 15th May.
Southampton have been accused by the EFL of spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough’s training ahead of last week’s Championship play-off first leg.
Southampton defeated Middlesbrough in two games to set up a final showdown with Hull City. But the high-profile match, worth more than £200m to the eventual winner, could be at serious risk of being postponed.
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The committee will investigate the charges and has the power to expel Southampton from the competition if found guilty. However, this has led to a legal challenge from Southampton’s owners, Sporting Republic, which will be heard in court this weekend if the play-off final is held at Wembley on May 23.
The EFL is unable to confirm the kick-off time for the match. Meanwhile, Hal remains in limbo as a result of the scandal.
The Tigers are currently asking for patience from frustrated fans who are unable to purchase tickets to London or book travel arrangements.
Hull have yet to provide supporters with ticket details for the play-off final (Image: Getty Images)
Tickets will not be printed or made available until the outcome of the hearing is confirmed.
The Tigers released a statement saying details of the ticket sales process would be released “in due course.”
“We ask all supporters to refrain from contacting the ticket office until final details are confirmed. We appreciate your continued understanding and support.”
“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 EFL said in a statement on Thursday. “The Independent Disciplinary Committee hearing is expected to take place by Tuesday 19 May. The exact date is still under discussion and will be confirmed shortly. The committee will make a decision as soon as possible after considering the relevant submissions and evidence.”
“The EFL has no control over the proposed timetable as the process is being carried out by an independent disciplinary committee. Nevertheless, the EFL continues to plan on the basis that the Championship play-off final will take place as planned on Saturday 23 May, with a confirmed kick-off time of 4.30pm.”
“However, supporters should be aware that the match may be subject to change depending on the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings. The EFL has a number of contingency plans in place, including consideration of an appeals process if necessary.”
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