Could Southampton be kicked out by Spygate?

The EFL wants the uncertainty to end.

But this is now in the hands of an independent disciplinary commission.

The process is managed by Sports Decisions, an independent arbitration company.

The panel is composed of three members. The chair is usually a judge, barrister or solicitor who is a KC or QC. They sit with members of both parties who are sports lawyers, attorneys, or mediators.

Appointments are based on suitability and availability, especially in cases like these that need to be heard quickly.

The Independent Disciplinary Commission will determine the exact timetable – but this has never been made public.

But the playoffs are highly unlikely to be fixed. Wembley is booked next weekend, after which the players will go on international duty.

So this should be sorted well before May 23rd.

The EFL has requested an expedited hearing, while Southampton They argued that they need more time To hold an internal review.

The first hearing should take place sooner rather than later, as all sides have the right to appeal – and it could include Middlesbrough – a division by the Independent Disciplinary Commission.

Any appeal decision shall be considered final. EFL rules do not allow the case to be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Then the logistical nightmare of Boro being that ticket allocations can be sold at short notice.

The question now is what would be a suitable punishment – if Southampton are found guilty.

No one can predict what the outcome will be, because there is no direct precedent.

The Independent Disciplinary Commission is, in fact, creating it – which adds further weight to their decisions.

Unlike a lucrative and ongoing trial, there is no framework or sliding scale for offenses leading to sanctions. This is completely new.

When Leeds United were found guilty of spying on Derby seven years ago, They were fined £200,000..

But there are two important differences.

First, in In 2019, there was no rule against watching the opponent’s train before a game.

Leeds can only be charged with breaching regulation E.4, which says clubs must act in “the utmost good faith” towards each other.

As a result, the EFL has issued Rule 127 which specifically states that “no club shall directly or indirectly attend another club’s training session within 72 hours prior to any match”.

Southampton were accused of breaching both and made no attempt to deny the allegations.

Then there is the time. Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is set to send a member of his staff to Derby’s training ground in mid-January at a crucial point in the season.

But Saints have been accused of spying on their opponents ahead of one of the most important games of the season, the play-off semi-finals.

The feeling at Boro is that if Saints beat Hull and win promotion, the Premier League millions will more than make up for any penalty.

Boro want Southampton out of the game.

Boro won the first leg 3-0 by default and won 4-2 on aggregate.

Although rare in English football, In 2002, West Bromwich Albion were rewarded with a 3-0 win over Sheffield United.

The Blades had three players sent off and two others were sent off and could not be replaced, leaving them below the minimum seven players.

Another option is penalty points. This can be seen as a halfway house, whereby the Independent Disciplinary Commission removes the nuclear option of expelling Southampton from the game but still applies a sporting penalty.

If Saints are promoted, the EFL cannot apply the fine to the top flight itself, but can recommend to the Premier League board that the deduction be taken.

The Independent Disciplinary Commission should find a fair punishment but act as a deterrent to any club trying to snoop – especially before such a big game.