The scandal began on 7/5 when Southampton's analyst, William Salt, was caught illegally filming a training session of opponent Middlesbrough. Immediately after, the English Football League (EFL) accused Southampton of unsportsmanlike espionage.

Southampton (yellow shirts) drew Middlesbrough 0-0 in the first leg of the premier league playoff semifinal at Riverside stadium on 9/5. Photo: Reuters

Despite winning their two semifinal matches against Middlesbrough with a 2-1 aggregate score on 9/5 and 12/5, Southampton's place in the final against Hull City on 23/5 is not guaranteed. An independent committee will conduct a hearing next week. If found to have systematically spied on their opponent, Southampton will be disqualified from the competition, ceding their place to Middlesbrough.

Should the spying be deemed a systematic act, high-ranking individuals involved with the club will face penalties. According to Reuters, Salt is a key part of Southampton's first team operations under coach Tonda Eckert.

"The league is still planning on the assumption that the final will take place on 23/5. However, the outcome of the hearing could alter the schedule. We have several contingency plans if needed, including considering the appeal process," the English Football League stated, acknowledging the potential need to reschedule the final.

The Championship offers three promotion spots to the Premier League. The first two spots are secured by the top two teams, Coventry City and Ipswich Town. The four teams ranked third to sixth—Millwall, Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Hull City—compete for the remaining spot. In the semifinals, Hull City defeated Millwall with a 2-0 aggregate score.

Gaining promotion to the Premier League can generate at least 268 million USD in revenue. Consequently, the match for the final promotion spot is often referred to as the most expensive game in English football.

Thanh Quy (according to Reuters)