NFL fans are well aware of Spygate when the Patriots filmed Jets signals back in 2007. Well, Spygate is back and it's gone global.
On Saturday, May 23, Southampton and Hull City are scheduled to face each other in the EFL promotion play-off final at Wembley Stadium in London. The winner would earn promotion to the Premier League, securing the final promotion spot from the second-tier EFL Championship.
To get to that game, though, both Hull and Southampton had to navigate a play-off semifinal. And that's where we've landed on a scandal that could have a transformative impact one way or the other.
Middlesbrough, which lost to Southampton in the semifinal, alleged that it caught a Southampton employee spying on training 48 hours before that decisive second leg. The filming was captured in a photo, and, well, it wasn't exactly discreet.
What was Middlesbrough's response?
Given that Middlesbrough lost that second leg, Boro have taken this scandal up the chain of EFL discipline. And the club is seeking to have Southampton removed from the play-off final.
If that argument is successful, Middlesbrough would take on Hull City instead. And the winner would gain promotion to England's top flight and the financial windfall that comes with playing in the world's best league.
When will we know if anything happens to Southampton?
The EFL has taken the allegations seriously enough to send the case to an independent disciplinary panel with a decision to be made by Tuesday. There is also a chance the final could be rescheduled depending on the decision.
The EFL said in a statement:
“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 4:30 pm.
“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.”
Clubs are given 14 days to respond to the decision, so we could be looking at a rescheduled final and massive appeal battle. This could get messy.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Southampton spying scandal ahead of Premier League promotion play-off, explained
