Wrexham forward Josh Windass has questioned why the Championship play-offs are not being restarted following Southampton’s expulsion from the competition over the club’s spying scandal.
Southampton were removed from the play-offs after admitting they spied on three Championship rivals during the season.
The Saints have appealed against the punishment, which also includes a four-point deduction for next season.
Windass Calls For Play-Offs To Restart
Wrexham narrowly missed out on the play-offs after finishing two points behind the top six following a final-day draw with Middlesbrough.
Windass reacted to the news on social media and suggested the competition should begin again with Wrexham taking Southampton’s place.
“This story is one of the maddest I’ve seen. But why isn’t the play-offs starting again with the four other teams?” Windass posted.
“Boro v Hull would have been the semi! Confused.”
Wrexham ultimately finished nine points behind Southampton in the final Championship table, but the controversy has sparked debate about how the situation should now be handled.
Wrexham Monitoring Situation
Replacing Southampton in the play-offs was not listed as a possible sanction by the EFL’s independent disciplinary commission.
However, Wrexham are understood to be monitoring developments closely and are waiting for the release of the full written verdict before deciding whether to pursue any further action.
One potential route could involve legal claims for compensation if clubs believe Southampton gained an unfair sporting advantage through their actions.
No formal discussions have taken place so far, but Wrexham are believed to be keeping their options open.
“We look forward to receiving the full details of the decision in due course,” a club spokesperson said.
Other Figures Also Raise Concerns
Former Hull City defender Curtis Davies also questioned the wider consequences of the ruling.
“Whether it’s the right decision or not is down to opinion,” Davies wrote on Instagram.
“But after today’s appeal I wonder where Wrexham and even Millwall might stand.
“Wrexham finished seventh and could argue they’d have been in the play-offs. Millwall finished third but lost their play-off to Hull, Boro also lost but have gone through.”
Southampton Appeal Ongoing
Southampton admitted spying on Middlesbrough training sessions before the first leg of their play-off semi-final, as well as observing Ipswich Town and Oxford United sessions during the regular season.
Middlesbrough have since been reinstated and are currently scheduled to face Hull City at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League.
However, the EFL confirmed the situation could still 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 stated it hopes the process will be resolved by Wednesday, 20 May.
