EFL break silence on Southampton ‘Spygate’ scandal in lengthy statement

BREAKING

Ahead of the first leg of Middlesbrough and the Saints' play-off first leg, a report in The Mail revealed that an individual thought to be a Southampton staff member had been spotted recording training at Boro's Rockliffe Park.

Although Southampton ultimately triumphed over the two legs, both clubs have been preparing for the Wembley final against Hull City on May 23rd, as they await the outcome of an EFL investigation into the allegations.

The EFL have now posted an "interim update" into the investigation, where they confirmed the play-off final could be postponed.

Win €/£1,000 in our FREE Win-Lose-Draw Predictor

In the age of stats geeks, AI-generated Fantasy teams and nth-degree analysis, we've stripped football knowledge down to its most instinctual form: Win, Lose or Draw.

In JOE's new Premier League Win-Lose-Draw Predictor, you can prove your footballing nous up against your mates, while also being in with a chance of winning €1,000/£1,000 each week.

And if no users predict all results correctly, EVERY player who submitted an entry will be placed into a random prize draw for the €1,000/£1,000.

Two players came within an inch of winning the jackpot last week with 9/10 right - play below for this weekend's fixtures! It takes just a few minutes to enter...

The statement reads: "The EFL can today provide an interim update on the ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton following Tuesday’s Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg.

"The Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing will take place on or before Tuesday, 19 May.

"The exact date remains under discussion and is expected to be confirmed shortly.

"The Commission will issue its decision as soon as possible following consideration of the relevant submissions and evidence.

"As the proceedings are being conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, the EFL does not control the proposed timetable.

"The EFL can today provide an interim update on the ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton following Tuesday’s Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg.

"The Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing will take place on or before Tuesday, 19 May.

"The exact date remains under discussion and is expected to be confirmed shortly.

"The Commission will issue its decision as soon as possible following consideration of the relevant submissions and evidence.

"As the proceedings are being conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission, the EFL does not control the proposed timetable.

"Notwithstanding this, the EFL continues to plan on the basis that the Championship Play-Off Final will take place as scheduled on Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm.

"Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture.

"The EFL has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required. Notwithstanding this, the EFL continues to plan on the basis that the Championship Play-Off Final will take place as scheduled on Saturday 23 May, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm."

"Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture.

"The EFL has a number of contingency plans should they be required, which also includes consideration of any appeal process, if required."