Southampton's fate in the Championship play-offs hangs in the balance as an independent disciplinary commission prepares to hear the case against the club. The hearing is set for on or before Tuesday May 19, just four days before the Championship play-off final at Wembley against Hull City on Saturday May 23. If found guilty of breaching EFL regulations, the Saints could be stripped of their place in the final altogether.

The charge stems from allegations that a member of Southampton's staff observed and recorded Middlesbrough's training session more than 72 hours before the two sides met in the play-off semi-final, which Southampton won 2-1 over two legs after extra time. Boro boss Hellberg publicly condemned what he called disgraceful spying, prompting the EFL to launch a formal investigation.

Despite the uncertainty, the EFL confirmed the play-off final will proceed as scheduled with a 4.30pm kick-off, though contingency plans exist should the hearing or any subsequent appeal force a change. Both clubs have begun sharing ticket sales processes with supporters, who are being urged to read terms and conditions carefully before purchasing.

While Southampton's players are enjoying a brief rest before returning to training on Sunday, Boro's squad resumed at their training ground for a scheduled recovery session, caught in limbo as they wait to learn whether they will face Hull in the final or whether the entire fixture will be rendered moot by the disciplinary outcome.