Wrexham forward Josh Windass has called for the Championship play-offs to be restarted after Southampton were expelled from the competition for spying on rival teams. The EFL confirmed the expulsion following an investigation, which found Southampton guilty of three spying offences, including against play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.
An independent commission ruled that Southampton spied on Middlesbrough earlier this month, as well as observing training sessions at Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April. The club has been handed a four-point deduction for next season and will appeal the sanctions, with a league arbitration panel convened to hear their case.
Pending the appeal, Middlesbrough have been reinstated and are scheduled to play Hull City in Saturday's play-off final. However, the EFL has cautioned that scheduling remains subject to change. Windass, whose Wrexham side finished seventh, argued on Instagram that the play-offs should start again with the four other teams, suggesting Wrexham should take Southampton's place.
Middlesbrough welcomed the verdict, stating it 'sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct.' The club is expected to announce ticketing details for supporters today. Southampton have yet to comment publicly since the commission's judgement.
The EFL announced that if the play-off final is contested between Middlesbrough and Hull, the kick-off time would be brought forward to 3.30pm. If Southampton's appeal means they play Hull, the match will kick off at the original scheduled time of 4.30pm.
