Southampton are set to discover within the next 24 hours whether they will be allowed to take their place in Saturday's EFL Championship play-off final after the club's explosive "spygate" hearing concluded on Tuesday.
An independent commission is expected to deliver its verdict on Wednesday following allegations that Southampton breached English Football League Rule 127 by observing Middlesbrough's training session within 72 hours of the two sides meeting in their Championship play-off semi-final.
The regulation explicitly prohibits clubs from watching an opponent's preparations in the three days leading up to a fixture.
If Southampton are found guilty, the consequences could be extraordinary.
The most severe punishment under consideration is expulsion from the play-off final against Hull City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with Middlesbrough potentially reinstated in their place.
The commission is also considering whether any alleged surveillance extended beyond the Middlesbrough incident.
Southampton are set to discover within the next 24 hours whether they will be allowed to take their place in Saturday's EFL Championship play-off final after the club's explosive "spygate" hearing concluded on Tuesday
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If evidence suggests Southampton engaged in similar conduct against other clubs during the season, they could face a points deduction to be applied next term, either in the Premier League if they secure promotion or in the Championship if they do not.
The Times indicate the panel is more likely to impose sporting sanctions rather than a financial penalty if it concludes senior figures at the club were aware of the alleged activity.
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Southampton players celebrate their play-off win over Middlesbrough, with Hull standing in their way of making the Premier League | PAThat finding could also trigger separate disciplinary proceedings from The Football Association against individuals.
Among those potentially under scrutiny are Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert, technical director Johannes Spors and an intern analyst, who was allegedly photographed filming Middlesbrough's training session before the semi-final.
Both the EFL and the FA have extensive investigative powers and can require clubs and staff members to provide emails, phone records and messages sent via WhatsApp and other platforms.
The scandal has drawn comparisons with the case involving Bev Priestman, the former Canada women's national soccer team manager, who was banned from football for one year by FIFA after a drone spying controversy at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Middlesbrough have demanded Southampton are excluded from the play-offs | GETTYMiddlesbrough, who were eliminated in the semi-finals, have urged the authorities to remove Southampton from the final.
If that does not happen, the Teesside club are believed to be considering a civil claim for compensation, similar to the legal action brought by Sheffield United after the Carlos Tevez affair, which resulted in a £20million settlement from West Ham United in 2009.
The EFL has already warned that Saturday's showpiece at Wembley could be postponed or moved to a different venue depending on the outcome of the case.
What ultimately happens remains to be seen.