FOOTBALL – The ‘training ground spying’ situation surrounding the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley has escalated.
The English Football League (EFL) has released an official interim statement confirming that the Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing regarding allegations over Southampton’s behaviour will take place on or before Tuesday.
The club has been accused of spying and recording a training session against league rules before playing their senior-final against Middlesbrough.
While the EFL is currently planning for the showpiece playoff final match to go ahead on Saturday, they have officially warned supporters that ‘contingency plans’ are in place to alter the Wembley date depending on the final verdict and subsequent fast-tracked appeals.
Here is the latest breakdown of the developments right now:
* Interim Boss Briefing: Tensions are high inside St Mary’s. Southampton manager Tonda Eckert ended his latest Press conference early after refusing to answer questioning from journalists regarding the upcoming hearing.
* Hull City Break Silence: Hull’s Sporting Director, Jared Dublin, admitted he feels deeply for the fans facing this massive uncertainty. However, he stated: “We are 100 per cent focused on Wembley and preparing to face Southampton until we are told otherwise.”
* Middlesbrough on Standby: Middlesbrough’s squad are continuing their training schedule under intense preparation. Boro are waiting on the final decision from the independent commission before next week’s deadline.
The independent commission will hear the case early next week. English football is facing an unprecedented logistical challenge.
Middlesbrough won 2-1 against Huddersfield over two legs.
Hull City beat Millwall thanks to winning away by two goals after a home scoreless draw.
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic is urging the EFL not to rearrange next weekend’s Championship play-off final after seeing his team become ‘collateral damage’ in the Southampton ‘spygate’ saga.
An independent disciplinary hearing will decide Southampton’s fate but the EFL raised the prospect of the final, scheduled for a week yesterday, being delayed.
That means that Hull cannot currently be sure who they will face or when they will play a game potentially worth £200million to the winners.
Fans are furious as they now risk losing costly booked hotel accommodation and travel tickets.
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic is urging the EFL not to rearrange the match after seeing his team become “collateral damage” in the Southampton ‘spygate’ saga.
An independent disciplinary hearing, scheduled for no later than Tuesday, will decide Southampton’s fate but the EFL raised the prospect of the final, scheduled for a week on Saturday, being delayed.
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