Southampton could yet be stripped of their place in the Championship play-off final if they are found guilty of misconduct following allegations that a member of staff attempted to observe Middlesbrough training.
The Saints secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over their EFL rivals on Tuesday night, with Shea Charles scoring in the 118th minute to send the Saints to Wembley.
But their hopes of returning to the Premier League remain clouded by an ongoing English Football League investigation.
Southampton have been charged under two EFL regulations after Middlesbrough reported that an individual, alleged to be a Saints analyst, was seen near their Rockliffe Park training ground last Thursday.
According to Middlesbrough's account of events, the man was approached by club staff after he was suspected of filming the session.
They allege he declined to identify himself and deleted images from his device before leaving the area.
Middlesbrough further claim the individual later changed clothes in a nearby hotel.
Those allegations have not yet been determined by the independent disciplinary process.
Southampton could yet be stripped of their place in the Championship play-off final if they are found guilty of misconduct following allegations that a member of staff attempted to observe Middlesbrough training
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The first charge relates to Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards one another with the "utmost good faith".
The second concerns Regulation 127, which prohibits clubs from observing or attempting to observe another team's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two sides.
An independent disciplinary commission will decide whether Southampton are guilty and, if so, what sanction should be imposed.
Potential penalties could range from a fine to a sporting punishment, depending on the findings.
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The Times have suggested the EFL is aiming to complete both the hearing and any appeal before the play-off final on May 23, although the timetable will ultimately depend on the commission.
If severe sporting sanctions were imposed, Middlesbrough could theoretically be reinstated.
Boro manager Kim Hellberg has indicated the club will wait to see what happens.
"We had a plan if we won the game and we haven't, so now I'm disappointed," he said after the final whistle.
Hellberg also congratulated Southampton's players and supporters while making clear that Middlesbrough intend to pursue the matter through the proper channels.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has declined to discuss the allegations in detail while the investigation remains ongoing.
"It's not easy to speak about this ongoing investigation," he said.
"When the time comes I'll say something, but not now."
Southampton and Middlesbrough managers clashed on the touchline during Tuesday night's play-off match | GETTYThe controversy has overshadowed what was a gripping semi-final.
After Riley McGree gave Middlesbrough an early lead, Ross Stewart equalised before Charles struck late in extra time to settle the contest.
For now, Southampton are preparing for Wembley.
But until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded, uncertainty remains over whether they will ultimately be allowed to take their place in the Championship play-off final.