Southampton face seven-figure fine as new ‘proof’ comes to light in spygate scandal
Southampton could be fined up to £1million after being charged with spying on Middlesbrough in the build up to their Championship play-off clash.
That is according to former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who exclusively told Football Insider there appears to be “proof” the Saints have spied on other clubs as the situation remains ongoing.
After securing a semi-final victory over Middlesbrough, Tonda Eckert’s side are now preparing for a Wembley showdown on 23 May against Hull City, who saw off Millwall to reach the final.
However, uncertainty remains around the fixture after Southampton have been charged by the EFL with observing one of the Teesside club’s training sessions before the first leg at the Riverside Stadium.
A hearing conducted by an independent disciplinary commission is now set to take place on or before Tuesday (19 May).
Why Southampton could face points deduction next season
Southampton could be removed from the play-offs depending on how the panel view the evidence presented by the parties.
Middlesbrough’s players are expected to resume training early next week in preparation for them potentially facing Hull in the final.
| Stats | Southampton | Middlesbrough |
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Shots | 17 | 15 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 3 |
| Fouls committed | 15 | 19 |
| Corners | 11 | 5 |
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Wyness discussed the potential punishment for Southampton if they are found guilty.
“It’s been difficult to get to grips with it because all the facts are not yet known,” said Wyness.
“It does appear there has been a genuine effort from Southampton to try and gain a sporting advantage in my view. Therefore, a sporting sanction would probably be levied upon them.
“I believe where it’s going to end up is going to be a points penalty that will be imposed on them if they get up to the Premier League next year, or even in the Championship if they stay down.
“As well as the points, there will be a big fine. It could be anywhere from £500,000 to £1m. The play-offs will go ahead with Southampton in my view, but that will be the sporting penalty.”
How new Southampton information has come to light in spygate saga
The Sun reported on Wednesday (13 May) Middlesbrough have information from two other Championship clubs that believe they were also being spied on by Southampton.
Wyness insisted the EFL have a “big problem” to resolve if the allegations are proven against the Saints.
“It’s just a very difficult thing to judge what benefit they gained from this given that the play-off against Middlesbrough was over two legs, even extra time,” said Wyness.
“Would that have made such a big difference in that situation? There are also compounding factors of proof coming out that there have been other incidences of them doing it against other clubs, which will not be good.
“Any mitigating circumstances that Southampton were pleading initially, that this was a lone wolf and he was doing it by himself, seems to be proven not to be true.
“The EFL have got a big problem and they are going to have to be seen to do something.”
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