Ex-PGMOL boss weighs in on what he believes could be next for Southampton after comments from Middlesbrough

Keith Hackett believes Southampton will likely avoid being expelled from the Championship play-off final and instead face a financial penalty, despite Middlesbrough’s calls for them to be banned from the match.

An independent disciplinary panel is currently reviewing allegations that a member of Southampton’s staff was involved in spying on Middlesbrough ahead of the first leg of their play-off semi-final. With Southampton having progressed to the final against Hull City at St Mary’s, the outcome of the investigation has become increasingly significant, with a decision expected before Tuesday, 19 May.

Middlesbrough responded with a strongly worded statement on Friday, arguing that the only fair punishment would be to exclude Southampton from the Wembley final.

Despite this, the EFL is continuing with preparations for the final while awaiting the panel’s ruling. Hackett, a former head of PGMOL, believes Middlesbrough’s demands are unlikely to be upheld and expects Southampton to remain in the competition.

Southampton are therefore now more likely to receive a substantial fine rather than be removed from the play-offs.

Middlesbrough’s squad have continued training while awaiting the verdict, with manager Kim Hellberg reportedly angered by the situation following his post-match comments last week. Hackett initially suggested that expulsion could have been a possible sanction if the allegations were proven, but he now expects the panel to allow Southampton to face Hull in the final.

Speaking to Football Insider after Middlesbrough’s statement, Hackett argued that the EFL would be reluctant to lose the revenue from a Wembley final and suggested the case could become legally complex depending on the outcome. He said that although the allegations are serious, he suspects the panel will lean towards a hefty financial punishment rather than removing Southampton from the competition.

He added that the panel will have to consider whether Southampton gained any unfair advantage, particularly if the alleged spying involved observing set-piece routines such as corners and free-kicks. Hackett also acknowledged Middlesbrough’s chairman’s experience and reputation, while noting that any ruling is likely to be contested regardless of the decision.

The case has drawn comparisons to a previous EFL spying incident involving Leeds United in 2019, when a staff member was accused of observing Derby County training sessions before a Championship match. Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa later admitted responsibility, and the club were fined around £200,000.

However, the current situation differs in that it directly followed rule changes introduced after that incident, specifically banning clubs from watching opponents’ training sessions within 72 hours of a match. If Southampton are found guilty of breaking that rule, any financial punishment could exceed the penalty handed to Leeds at the time.