by Sam Hawcroft
Hull City fans have been urged to take care when booking travel and accommodation for Wembley after the EFL warned that disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton could still affect the Championship play-off final.
As it stands, Southampton are currently due to face the Tigers at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23, with kick-off confirmed for 4.30pm.
But the EFL has issued an interim update confirming that an Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing involving Southampton will take place on or before Tuesday, May 19.
The case follows allegations that a Southampton analyst was found spying on play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough at their Rockliffe Park training ground last week, in breach of Football League regulations.
Southampton went on to draw the first leg 0-0 at the Riverside before beating Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time at St Mary’s on Tuesday night, setting up what should be a Wembley showdown with Hull City.
The EFL said the commission would issue its decision as soon as possible after considering the relevant submissions and evidence, but added that it did not control the timetable because the proceedings were being handled independently.
The league said it was continuing to plan on the basis that the final would go ahead as scheduled, but warned supporters that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings “may yet result in changes to the fixture”.
Potential sanctions, if Southampton are found guilty, could include a fine, points deduction or expulsion from the play-offs.
Middlesbrough are understood to be pushing for a sporting sanction, while manager Kim Hellberg has accused Southampton of cheating. Boro are also thought to be preparing in case they are readmitted to the competition and replace Southampton in the final.
In its statement, the EFL said: “The EFL can today provide an interim update on the ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving Southampton following Tuesday’s Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg.
“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.”
The league added: “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 4.30pm.
“Supporters should, however, be aware that the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings may yet result in changes to the fixture.”
The EFL said it had contingency plans in place, including for any appeal process.
Hull City and Southampton are expected to release further details on ticket sales, but the EFL said supporters should pay close attention to the terms and conditions and consider the situation carefully before booking travel and accommodation.
Hull City have also urged fans to be patient while final ticketing arrangements are confirmed.
In a statement, the club said many supporters had contacted the ticket office in recent days, adding that full details, including sale dates and confirmation of kick-off time, would be communicated in due course.
The club said: “Until then, we kindly ask supporters to refrain from contacting the ticket office while final details are being confirmed.
“We appreciate your continued patience and support.”
One Hull City fan told the Gazette: “The contempt held by the footballing authorities for the fans is plain for all to see. How are they to organise travel and, if needed, accommodation at such ever-decreasing short notice?”
The league said it recognised that the “complex situation” had caused concern and disruption for supporters, particularly those trying to make arrangements for Wembley.
It added: “However, in these clearly exceptional circumstances, the League considers this to be the most appropriate course of action.”
Under normal circumstances, clubs have 14 days to respond to disciplinary charges, but the EFL has asked for the matter to be heard at the earliest opportunity because of the impact on the play-offs.