Southampton remove Wembley play-off final ticket details amid EFL investigation
Southampton have removed their Championship play-off final ticket information from the club's official website as uncertainty continues to surround whether they will even be allowed to take part at Wembley.The Saints booked their place in the final after defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 after extra time on Tuesday night.They are due to face Hull City in the season's richest match next weekend.But Southampton's hopes of securing promotion to the Premier League remain overshadowed by an ongoing English Football League investigation into allegations that a member of club staff attempted to observe Middlesbrough training before the semi-final first leg.Last week, the EFL formally charged Southampton with alleged breaches of league regulations.One rule requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith, while another prohibits any club from observing or attempting to observe an opponent's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match.Southampton have not publicly denied the charge and the matter is now set to be considered by an independent disciplinary commission.Southampton have removed their Championship play-off final ticket information from the club's official website as uncertainty continues to surround whether they will even be allowed to take part at Wembley | GETTYPotential sanctions, if the allegation is proven, could range from a financial penalty to a sporting punishment.That has fuelled speculation that Southampton could, in theory, be removed from the play-offs, although no decision has been made and no outcome can be assumed.Earlier on Wednesday, Southampton published detailed ticket arrangements for the Wembley final, with sales initially due to begin on Friday morning for season-ticket holders who had attended 10 or more away matches over the last two seasons.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 | GETTYFurther sales windows for Monday and Tuesday were also outlined, along with plans to release information covering pricing and official coach travel.The ticket page has since been taken down.According to the Daily Mail, the move was linked to an administrative request that both finalists publish ticket details at the same time, rather than any direct consequence of the disciplinary investigation.Nevertheless, the timing has inevitably intensified scrutiny.The investigation stems from allegations that a Southampton staff member was discovered near Middlesbrough's Rockliffe training base before the first leg.Middlesbrough believe their preparations may have been compromised and are continuing to press for the strongest possible response if the club is found to have breached the rules.Shea Charles struck late as Southampton battled their way past Middlesbrough | GETTYHead coach Kim Hellberg has indicated his squad will remain in training until the matter is resolved.Middlesbrough's players are due to return to work on Friday rather than beginning their summer break.There is increasing pressure on the EFL to conclude the process as quickly as possible to provide clarity for both clubs and their supporters.For now, though, Southampton remain scheduled to face Hull at Wembley.
