Overview
- The league opened a disciplinary case and scheduled an independent hearing by May 19, with a decision to follow as soon as evidence is reviewed.
- Middlesbrough filed a complaint and demanded Southampton be barred from the final, saying only a sporting sanction would protect the game’s integrity.
- Reports say a Southampton employee hid near Middlesbrough’s training, filmed the session, was confronted, and deleted videos from an iPhone, in a case tied to a rule that bans observing an opponent’s practice within 72 hours of a match.
- The EFL says the Hull City–Southampton final remains set for May 23 at Wembley but that contingency plans are ready, and it urged fans to be careful with tickets and travel plans.
- Possible penalties reported range from a fine to exclusion from the playoffs, and the outcome could change arrangements for one of football’s richest single matches.