Southampton have described their punishment for spying on rival clubs as the "largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club" as they appeal against expulsion from the Championship play-offs and a points deduction for next season.
The English Football League (EFL) sanctioned Southampton following an investigation into allegations made by Middlesbrough, who will now face Hull City in the play-off final. Southampton have appealed against the severity of the punishment, calling it "manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game".
Chief executive Phil Parsons stated the club accepts wrongdoing but believes the financial consequence of missing the final, worth over £200 million, is excessive compared to previous sanctions for similar offences. A decision on Southampton's appeal is expected later on Wednesday, which will determine if they are reinstated for the final.
The club's statement emphasised that while they acknowledge the breach of regulations, the scale of the penalty far exceeds any precedent. The appeal outcome could potentially reinstate Southampton for the final against Hull City, a match with significant financial implications for the winner.
