Wrexham striker Josh Windass has questioned why the play-offs were not restarted following Southampton’s expulsion from the competition due to the club’s spying scandal.
Southampton were eliminated from the play-offs after admitting they had tested three Championship rivals during the season.
The Saints passed on the punishment, which includes a four-point deduction for next season.
Windass Calls Play-Offs To Resume
Wrexham narrowly missed out on the play-offs after finishing two points behind the top six following a draw in the final with Middlesbrough.
Windass responded to the news on social media and suggested that the competition should start again with Wrexham replacing Southampton.
“This story is one of the craziest things I’ve seen, but why don’t the play-offs start again with the other four teams?” Windass sent.
“Boro v Hull was going to be a semi-final!
Wrexham eventually finished nine points behind Southampton in the final Championship table, but the clash has sparked debate over how the situation should be handled.
Wrexham Monitoring Situation
Replacing Southampton in the play-offs was not listed as a possible penalty by the EFL’s independent disciplinary commission.
However, Wrexham are understood to be monitoring the development closely and are awaiting the release of a full written decision before deciding whether to proceed with any action.
One possible route would involve legal claims for compensation if the clubs believe that Southampton have received an unfair sporting advantage through their actions.
No official talks have taken place so far, but Wrexham are believed to be keeping their options open.
“We look forward to receiving full details of the decision in due course,” said a spokesperson for the group.
Some Figures Also Raise Concerns
Former Hull City defender Curtis Davies also questioned the wider implications of the decision.
“Whether it’s the right decision or not depends on the perspective,” Davies wrote on Instagram.
“But after today’s complaint I wonder where Wrexham and Millwall might stand.
“Wrexham finished in seventh place and could have made the play-offs.
Southampton Appeal Continues
Southampton admitted to spying on Middlesbrough training sessions ahead of the first leg of the play-off semi-final, as well as watching Ipswich Town and Oxford United sessions during the regular season.
Middlesbrough have since been reinstated and are now set to face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.
However, the EFL confirmed that the situation could change depending on the outcome of Southampton’s appeal.
The appeal will be heard by an independent arbitration panel made up of three new members.
The EFL also said it hoped the matter would be resolved on Wednesday, 20 May.
