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Championship Play-off Final Could Be Delayed by Spygate Investigation
The Championship play-off final scheduled for 23 May may be postponed as officials investigate allegations that one finalist observed a training session of the other. A hearing by an Independent Disciplinary Commission is set to take place on or before 19 May. Officials said they are proceeding on the basis that the match will be played as planned while preparing contingency options.
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The Championship play-off final may not go ahead on Saturday 23 May as officials investigate the Spygate scandal surrounding one of the finalists. A hearing conducted by an Independent Disciplinary Commission will take place on or before Tuesday 19 May.
The team in question was charged with breaking rules by observing one of its semi-final opponent's training sessions before last Saturday's first leg at the Riverside. The finalist beat Middlesbrough 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. It is due to face Hull City in the play-off final for a place in the Premier League next season.
Although officials have warned supporters there could be changes to the fixture, they are working on the basis that the final will go ahead as planned with a kick-off time of 16:30 BST. Should the match need to be rescheduled due to the outcome of the hearing and any subsequent appeal process, officials say they have a number of contingency plans available.
The Championship fixture is the first of three play-off finals held across three days at the national stadium. The other two divisions' finals are due to be held on the Sunday and Monday respectively. The stadium is already booked for the following weekend when two cup finals will be played on 30 and 31 May.
A major music event is scheduled at the venue on Saturday 6 June.
