Middlesbrough call for Southampton to be thrown out of Championship play-off final

In the build-up to the play-offs, the English Football League (EFL) confirmed that Southampton had been charged for allegedly spying on Middlesbrough’s training.

Southampton went on to defeat Middlesbrough over two legs, drawing 0-0 in the opener, before securing a late 2-1 win after extra time to book their spot at Wembley for a game widely considered the most lucrative match in football.

With their Premier League dreams dashed, Middlesbrough are now calling for Southampton to be removed from the final, while a hearing is set to take place on or before Tuesday.

Middlesbrough's full statement, released on Friday, reads: "Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.

"The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.

"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 FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.

"We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.

"The club reserves all its legal rights."

The play-off final is set to take place on Saturday, May 23, with the Saints taking on Hull City for the chance to join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in England's top-flight next season.

However, the game could still be rearranged following the decisive hearing next week in a saga which has overshadowed the end of the Championship season.

An EFL statement explained: "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, May 23, with the kick-off time confirmed as 4.30pm [UK time].

"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."

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