The situation leaves a shroud of uncertainty over the play-offs before the second leg. And it will continue to cast a cloud if Southampton get to the final.<\/p>\n
The independent disciplinary commission has all powers open to it – from just issuing a fine, to a points deduction to even removing Southampton from the play-offs.<\/p>\n
For this reason the EFL – which does not decide the punishment itself – has asked for an expedited hearing, with the play-off final scheduled for the day after the 14 days expire.<\/p>\n
With even the mere possibility that Saints could be thrown out and Boro reinstated, the matter needs to be resolved as soon as possible – especially as there would be the right of appeal.<\/p>\n
Seven years ago, Leeds United were fined \u00a3200,000<\/a> by the EFL for watching opponents train before matches.<\/p>\n A member of Leeds’ staff was found acting suspiciously outside Derby’s training ground on 10 January 2019, before a fixture between the two sides.<\/p>\n But this is not a direct comparison.<\/p>\n At the time, there was no rule which covered spying. Leeds were only charged with failing to act towards another team with “good faith”.<\/p>\n Following the Leeds case, the EFL introduced rule 127, which specifically forbids any attempt to watch your opponents in training in the days leading up the game.<\/p>\n As Southampton have been charged with both offences, it may well be that a fine is not enough.<\/p>\n That the Saints spied on a rival before such a crucial match, whereas Leeds watched a league game in the middle of the season, could be seen as an aggravating factor.<\/p>\n