Southampton Chief Executive Officer, Phil Parsons is requesting ‘time to complete’ an internal review into their spygate scandal.
Southampton were charged with two breaches of EFL regulations on Friday 8 May in relation to unsporting behaviour and spying on Middlesbrough, with the alleged incident having occurred on Thursday 7 May which breached the rule regarding the 72-hour ban on watching oppositional training ahead of a fixture.
Tonda Eckert’s Saints proceeded to draw 0-0 at Middlesbrough in the first leg and will now host the second leg at St Mary’s Stadium tonight, as the spygate scandal continues to rumble on.
Southampton’s CEO, Parsons provided an official club statement hours before the home leg pleading for extra time to complete an internal review, despite the EFL wanting the Independent Disciplinary Commission to deal with the matter as swiftly as possible as all parties continue co-operation.
“The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the Disciplinary Commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood.
“Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly.
“We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn.”
Parsons proceeded to launch a staunch defence of the club as he praised every member of the team on and off the pitch for their unity, alongside support from the fans and iterated that Dragan Solak is continuing his financial support.
“Having spent a significant amount of time around this football club, I know the character of the people within it. The togetherness shown by players, staff and supporters throughout this season has been a huge part of the progress we have made, and I am confident that spirit will remain unchanged.
“This season has represented another important step forward for the football club. While we know there is still more work ahead of us and we are not yet where we ultimately want to be, the unity shown during challenging moments has continued to define Southampton Football Club.
“The support from our fans throughout the season has once again been exceptional, and everyone connected with the club remains fully committed to building long-term success in the right way.
“Dragan Solak continues to support the club financially, and we remain proud to have stayed competitive while operating within financial regulations, something that is important for the long-term stability of the club.”
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