POLL: What should EFL do to Southampton over Spygate? | Football | Sport
The alleged incident overshadowed the semi-final clashes between Southampton and Middlesbrough and continues to dominate headlines ahead of this weekend’s final. A hearing is currently taking place to determine whether the Saints broke any rules and what their potential punishments would be. There is a chance they could be fined, docked points or even disqualified from the play-offs altogether.
Despite being the victim of the alleged spying, Middlesbrough have been denied permission to participate or present evidence at the independent hearing.
Disappointed by this exclusion, they released a bombshell statement claiming that Southampton’s alleged behaviour directly compromised the integrity of the competition.
They said: “The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition.
“In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.”
A similar case unfolded back in 2019, when Leeds United sent a member of staff to watch Derby County train. They were ultimately hit with a £200,000 fine, but things are different this time around.
At the time, there was no rule which outlawed watching the opposition train before a game. As a result, the EFL brought in Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing another side’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between them.
One argument is that a fine would be meaningless if Southampton beat Hull to earn promotion to the Premier League, which would give them at least £110million in broadcasting revenues.
Another option would be a points deduction, but this wouldn’t be implemented until the Saints are back in the Championship as the EFL have no jurisdiction in the Premier League.
The major task facing the EFL, if Southampton are found guilty, will be to hand down a fair punishment that also acts as a deterrent to any other club who might try to spy on their opponents.
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert and his staff could also face disciplinary action through the FA, although the EFL process must conclude first.
It’s not currently known if Eckert and his fellow coaches knew of the alleged spying plot or to what extent they may have been involved.
A decision from the independent hearing is expected to be communicated by the close of play on Tuesday. In the event of Southampton being kicked out of the play-offs, the final could be rearranged for next week.
