The Championship play-off final may be delayed after a date has been set for the hearing into the "spygate" scandal, the English Football League (EFL) has announced.
The final is scheduled on Saturday, May 23, with a hearing set to take place on Tuesday, May 19.
Southampton have been charged by the EFL with breaking rules by observing one of Middlesbrough's training sessions before their semi-final first leg.
The Saints reached the final after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time, setting up a contest against Hull City in the richest match of football.
The Championship play-off final, set to be played at Wembley Stadium, may be delayed
| GETTYSouthampton were charged by the EFL last week, after breaching Regulations 3.4 and 127.
In a statement, the EFL said: "Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.
"This follows a request from the EFL for the club's observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final first leg.
"Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges.
Southampton were charged by the EFL for breaching Regulations 3.4 and 127
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"However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity."
Responding to the news, Southampton, in a club statement, said: "Southampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.
"We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the league throughout this process. Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time."
The Saints CEO, Phil Parsons, then later called for the club to be given "time" after the EFL asked the independent disciplinary commission for "a hearing at the earliest opportunity".
The Saints are currently scheduled to play against Hull City in the play-off final on May 23
| GETTYParsons said: "The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the disciplinary commission, while also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood.
"Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly.
"We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn."
The situation has cast a shadow over Southampton, making it to Wembley for the second time this season.
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Middlesbrough players have continued training despite their season technically coming to an end.
The Saints have also removed their Championship play-off final ticket information from the club's official website.
Despite all this spill-out, Southampton are scheduled to play Hull City on Saturday, May 23, with the footballing world watching the outcome of the hearing on May 19.
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