An independent hearing into the 'Spygate' scandal will take place on Friday to decide the fate of Southampton's promotion hopes, with the Championship play-off final against Hull City hanging in the balance.
Hearing Details
A commission of three legal experts is expected to meet behind closed doors in London to examine charges that Southampton spied on a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough before the first leg of their play-off tie last week.
Southampton overcame Middlesbrough over two legs to set up a Wembley showdown with Hull City. However, the showpiece fixture, worth over £200 million to the eventual winners, could face serious postponement risks.
Potential Expulsion and Legal Challenges
The commission has the power to expel Southampton from the competition if found guilty. Such a decision would almost certainly trigger a legal challenge from Southampton's owners, Sport Republic, which would need to be resolved this weekend if the final is to proceed as scheduled on May 23 at Wembley.
The EFL has been unable to confirm a kick-off time for the match.
Impact on Hull City
Meanwhile, Hull City have been left in limbo by the scandal. The Tigers have appealed for patience from frustrated fans who cannot purchase tickets or book travel for the London trip.
Tickets will not be printed or made available until the hearing's outcome is confirmed. Hull City released a statement saying full ticket sales details will be communicated "in due course."
"Until then, we kindly ask supporters to refrain from contacting the ticket office while final details are being confirmed. We appreciate your continued patience and support," the statement read.
