May 20 could be the most critical date of the 2025-26 Championship season, with both Middlesbrough and Southampton ready to find out their fate over ‘Spygate’.

The play-off semi-final between the two clubs was spiced up in the days leading up to the first leg at the Riverside Stadium, when it was claimed a Saints employee was caught spying on a Boro training session within 72 hours of kick-off – a violation of EFL rules since Leeds were punished for watching Derby County.

Despite incredible allegations, Southampton won the match over two legs with an extra-time victory at St Mary’s Stadium – but they are not assured to face Hull City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.

An independent commission met on Tuesday to virtually hear evidence in the case, including Boro’s testimony without legal representation, and if Southampton is found guilty of their charge, which they have never denied, they will likely face a sporting sanction.

Could Tonda Eckert be fired by Southampton if found guilty in Spygate?

Middlesbrough want Tonda Eckert’s side to be knocked out of the play-offs and the Teesside club to advance to the final at Wembley Stadium, albeit that scenario would almost probably cause the match to be postponed beyond this Saturday’s scheduled date.

If Southampton are found guilty, it will be determined what role head coach Eckert and his staff played in the snooping, which might result in major ramifications from the FA.

And if the German coach is deemed to have committed a misdemeanour, former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness believes he will be forced to confront a football fan – and so lose his job at St Mary’s.

“If it gets to the manager, I’m afraid his career will be in serious trouble,” Wyness told Football Insider.

“He is expected to be fired or banned for a length of time, depending on the facts.

“But, fundamentally, what must emerge from this is a clearer sanctioning position that prevents clubs from even considering this in the future, knowing that they risk being kicked out of competitions or leagues, rather than simply hearing a range of possibilities.

“They’ve got to make it specific and clear, and that’s what’s got to come out to stamp this out once and for all.”

The Spygate issue cannot come to an end any sooner; all three clubs need clarity ASAP.

It beggars belief that the most expensive single game in English football is meant to take place on Saturday, yet for all three clubs involved, they are none the wiser as to what two clubs will actually be at Wembley.

Hull City’s berth has been secured since last week and will not change, but the Tigers could do with knowing who they’ll be facing and when, given that the EFL couldn’t confirm last week that the final date would remain May 23.

Southampton being thrown out of the play-offs would not only be a severe punishment, but it would also set an unbelievable precedent and likely put an end to the act of spying, though some would argue it is too harsh.

With Eckert refusing to speak about the situation and walking out of press conferences in response to questions about Spygate, it does not look good for the German if the Saints are found guilty, and depending on the evidence against him and the club, Wednesday could be a watershed moment in recent English football.