A dramatic turn of events has rocked the Championship play-offs, with Southampton expelled from the competition following admissions of spying on rival teams.
The decision, which was confirmed by the EFL following an investigation, has sparked calls for a complete reset of the play-offs, notably from Wrexham forward Josh Windass, whose team finished just outside the top six.
An independent commission found Southampton guilty of three spying offences, including against play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough earlier this month. The club also admitted to observing training sessions at Oxford last December and Ipswich in April, all occurring after the appointment of head coach Tonda Eckert in early December.
Southampton has confirmed it will appeal the sanctions, which also include a four-point deduction for next season, with a league arbitration panel convened today to hear their case. The panel could either uphold the original decision or reinstate the Saints.
Pending the outcome of this appeal, Middlesbrough, who were initially set to face Southampton, have been reinstated and are now scheduled to play Hull City in Saturday’s play-off final.
However, the EFL has cautioned that scheduling remains subject to change. Middlesbrough players were reportedly returning to their Rockliffe Park training base in anticipation of the Wembley showpiece.
Windass, whose Wrexham side finished seventh, argued for a full restart of the four-team competition, suggesting Wrexham should take Southampton’s place.
“This Southampton story is one of the maddest I’ve seen,” Windass wrote on Instagram. “But why isn’t the play-offs starting again with the 4 other teams? Boro v Hull would have been the semi!! Confused.”
Taking Southampton out of the equation, Wrexham would have faced third-placed Millwall in the semi-finals.
The stakes are high, as upholding the original decision would deny Southampton a shot at Premier League promotion, estimated to be worth a minimum of £200m.
Middlesbrough, who had previously called for Southampton’s expulsion, welcomed the verdict, stating it “sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct.” The Teesside club is expected to announce ticketing details to supporters today.
Southampton have yet to comment publicly since the commission’s judgement on Tuesday.
The EFL announced on Wednesday morning that if the play-off final is contested between Boro and Hull, the kick-off time would be brought forward to 3.30pm.
If the outcome of Southampton’s appeal means they are playing Hull, the match will kick off at the original scheduled time of 4.30pm, the EFL said.
