Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship play-off final after new kick-off times were imposed, but the EFL is also preparing for Saints to feature in the Wembley centerpiece.
Championship play-off final remains up in the air after Southampton’s exit, with appeal imminent
The EFL has announced that Saturday’s Championship play-off final between Middlesbrough and Hull at Wembley will kick off at 3.30pm following Southampton’s red card.
They have been given huge penalties in the wake of the Spygate incident, but they plan to appeal the verdict. If successful, kick-off time would be delayed by one hour.
The semi-final between Southampton and Middlesbrough was overshadowed by allegations of spying, with Saints facing charges from the EFL. After a scoreless first leg, they secured a win against St. Mary’s and advanced to the final.
However, as a result of the hearing, they were sent off on Boro’s return and will now face Hull City, who saw off Millwall in the semi-final. An appeal is imminent as Southampton believe the penalty was excessive and the EFL needs to prepare for both scenarios.
A statement read: “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.”
read more: Southampton official’s damning message surfaced on WhatsApp: “He was wearing a rival club’s shirt to spy”read more: Southampton manager’s brazen defense receives long-term suspension from FA for spying charges
Following a hearing, it was confirmed on Tuesday that Southampton will be expelled from the play-off final and will start next season with four points less. The EFL has accused Saints of watching training sessions at Oxford United and Ipswich Town, as well as filming Middlesbrough.
Southampton’s expulsion from the play-off final means they will miss out on the match, which is known to be the richest in world football, with the winner guaranteed a minimum of £110m in Premier League broadcast revenue.
Southampton receive huge penalty and plan to appeal (Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
Boro manager Kim Helberg showed passion after Middlesbrough’s defeat. Following the EFL’s decision, officials at Riverside Stadium “welcome the outcome” and will prepare for the match against Hull.
Despite the ruling, Southampton’s chief executive said in an email to staff that the club was confident of reversing the decision and qualifying for the finals, with the club aiming for a swift return to the top flight. It is understood that all parties have agreed to deal with the matter until a conclusion is reached on Wednesday to avoid the possibility of a final match.
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