hypochondriac

They submit all the evidence they have to the independent bloke of systemic cheating. They believe it's compelling but it doesn't mean that the independent board will agree.

True. How do you see it playing out? Simon Jordan had spoken to Gibson and suggested we do a private deal with Middlesbrough but it seems things have progressed past that point.

All a bit different now. Reports saying that boro think they have built a compelling case to have us kicked out. That's rather different from some of the reporting over the last few days and is surely subjective.

They won't do what they want. Our lawyers won't let them.

Am not surprised. What's your prediction for how this plays out.

Blimey I agree with soggy!

Yes you might not for that but I won't be staying overnight and I imagine most saints fans will get the train or drive which can be done at the last minute if you're sensible.

Fuck off no it doesn't. Not a chance are they selling you tickets to a playoff final that doesn't happen and then they keep the money.

I can't either but I would imagine that's the nuclear option and out of the hands of the efl if the independent panel boots us out and we appeal then they don't really have a choice because they won't be able to resolve things prior to next Saturday.

Less than 0% chance that happens.

No they are saying that tickets will be on sale prior to that but that if there is a change we would get refunded and they'd have to postpone things.

Let's say they ask for bank statements and phone records as suggested in some media. How on earth are they going to get all that together prior to Tuesday of next week? They've got no chance.

Don't the efl have to abide by the decision of the independent panel? So all this bollpcks about what the efl want and what has been decided is just bollocks. If this is being done properly then there is currently zero indication of what the independent panel will decide as they haven't had the hearing and looked at the evidence formally yet. Everything else is just noise.

Indeed. The bit about the high court injunction feels likely if they go nuclear but worth pointing out that the post also assumes that this was a one off and not systemic.

I'm not sure that's overly relevant given that we are the ones in the playoff final. Maybe see if we can catch hull doing it as well!

I must say that although I still don't think they will be able to kick us out it is slightly disconcerting that people with ITK info like @Saint_lambden and @MB are the most pessimistic.

Moving the final would really be the absolute nuclear option and would be the very last thing the efl would want. I can't see it in any way likely.

Because prior to the hearing taking place all cards are still on the table and nothing is being ruled out. Doesn't make it likely though.

There is no approaching. As Simon Jordan said they've already spoken at board room level and thus far our holding statement and not admitting things more readily has pissed off Gibson. Whether when we conclude our investigation and heads roll we will see him more conciliatory after some compensation remains to be seen.

It's good tactics from boro to leak to Northern journalists in order to string this out and maximise their hand for compensation. Simon Jordan has spoken to Steve Gibson and he's already said that's what he wants because he knows there is no chance of getting kicked out. He wants a pay off from Southampton and in return he will water down his submissions or at least not push as hard. Whether we give in to his demands as the least worst option I have no idea

And if they subsequently use the information gleaned from the credit card for any investigation they'll take a dim view of that too.

Exactly and Simon Jordan has alluded to the fact that Steve Gibson knows we won't get kicked out and is fishing for cash.

We simply won't accept any move to remove us from the final lying down. They can't just remove us tomorrow if that's what they decide and the that's the end of the matter and Middlesbrough end up at Wembley.

Let's do a thought experiment and imagine they announce they are kicking us out tomorrow. We obviously won't just allow that to happen and will be sending lawyers in to contest it left right and centre. As @Miltonaggro alluded to, we will be applying for all sorts of injunctions and court petitions and they absolutely won't just be able to do that without consequence. This is the real world and the efl will know this.

If anyone seriously thinks they will even contemplate moving the final at this stage then you're clinically insane.