15 May 2026 07:39:13
{Ed's Note - SaintGGsy has posted a new article entitled, Saints, the EFL, and the spying fallout
1.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 07:49:19
I think Leeds only got a fine because we admitted it and were honest. Surprised, we didn't get a points reduction, tbh. Think in Southampton's case, a points deduction or transfer embargo in the Prem would fit. Either or. ?
{Ed001's Note - I don't think they can punish them if they are promoted, hence the talk of holding up the play-off final. It is an EFL only thing, so they would need to be in the EFL to be punished, similar to when Leicester (among others) avoided punishment for financial doping due to getting promoted.}
2.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 09:39:38
There is some cooperation between the EFL and PL, but only with regard to financial fair play, and recommendations can be made by the EFL, which the PL will consider.
I suspect that it will end up with a fine, much larger than ours for Bielsagate, but the match with Hull will go ahead with Southampton as the opposition.
That seems the fairest outcome, and the least messy. Delay the final or kick Southampton out, then it will get bogged down in the courts and the conclusion won't be quick.
3.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 09:44:16
I think they can only implement the sanction if it's points or being thrown out of the Play Offs if they are in the Champ. They can recommend a points deduction to the Premier League and the Prem would be quite controversial in rejecting it.
I think we only got a fine because A. we didn't hide it and B. There wasn't strictly a rule governing it at the time, they got Leeds only on the 'good faith' clause. And also it wasn't the Play Offs.
The authorities face quite the conundrum because this will set the precedent, and if the punishment doesn't fit the crime, especially ahead of big games, clubs will ignore it with impunity.
That's the issue for me, is it worth it to most clubs ahead of a standard league game, probably not, you're not gaining a lot. Ahead of basically a cup final. Maybe.
I expect a points deduction or maybe a suspended points deduction. On top of that, a successful civil suit from Middlesbrough taking a portion of their money if they go up. The precedent for that was the Carlos Tevez West Ham/Sheffield United case.
4.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 13:31:50
I agree, a hefty fine (maybe also a points deduction) is the most likely outcome, but clearly the EFL hasn't completely dismissed the disqualification option because they've cited the possibility of the playoff final being postponed. Boro have also not totally given up yet either, and are still in full training just in case.
5.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 13:51:25
My original response was in jest and mainly that Southampton hasn't admitted it. I understand the diff leagues etc. will make this one interesting, but the most logical outcome is a fine. Can't see any other fair way.
{Ed001's Note - they have to bemfound guilty first and there is some doubt over whether he was still employed by them, according to the Saints.}
6.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 15:07:47
Think the punishment will fit the early guilty plea.
7.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 15:14:01
If he was not employed by them, who exactly was he working for?
8.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 15:46:41
With the whole Leeds Spygate saga, Leeds United never broke any rules, as there was no such rule in place at the time.
It was only after Leeds United were fined, I believe, for unsportsmanlike behaviour, that a rule was implemented.
9.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 16:07:19
Correct, Cork.
10.) 15 May 2026
15 May 2026 19:26:24
The guy who filmed it has been named. Somebody called Salt. He's an intern in Southampton's first team data analysis department. It was obviously planned because of the distance, and he also had a change of clothing which he used during his unsuccessful escape attempt.
Southampton will probably say he technically doesn't work for them and throw him under the (team) bus, but it will be interesting to know what or who prompted him to do it.
11.) 17 May 2026
17 May 2026 11:28:54
I hesitate to repeat hearsay, (like Frank Lampard did in our case) , but one story alleged that he was using professional grade (and expensive) audio and video recording equipment. If true, that would cast doubt on the "lone wolf" story.