Southampton's appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-offs will be decided on Wednesday, just three days before the final at Wembley. The club was thrown out of the play-offs after an independent disciplinary commission found them guilty of multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to unauthorised filming of other clubs' training sessions.
The EFL confirmed that parties are working to resolve the appeal on 20 May. If the expulsion stands, Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 to Southampton in the semi-finals, will be reinstated and face Hull City in the final on 23 May. Promotion to the Premier League is estimated to be worth around £200m over three seasons.
Southampton admitted to filming training sessions of Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April, as well as Middlesbrough ahead of the first leg of their play-off semi-final. They have also been deducted four points for the start of next season in the Championship.
Middlesbrough welcomed the decision, stating it sends a clear message about sporting integrity. Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, had finished fourth in the Championship to qualify for the play-offs.
