Ross Stewart World Cup call-up overshadowed as Southampton expelled after SpyGate ruling | OneFootball

Ross Stewart received a Scotland World Cup call-up only hours before Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs.

Sunderland Echo reports that the former Sunderland striker made Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad after a four-year wait, fuelled by eight goals in his last 16.

Southampton were removed after admitting breaches of EFL rules on unauthorised observation and filming of opposition training. The case centred on Middlesbrough before the semi-final, with further incidents involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

The Saints had beaten Middlesbrough over two legs to reach a Wembley final against Hull City, but Boro have been reinstated and will now take their place. Southampton also face a four-point deduction next season and are expected to appeal.

Stewart scored in the semi-final and had been eyeing Wembley and a shot at a Premier League return. Instead, his club season ended abruptly.

The controversy, widely dubbed SpyGate, stems from EFL rules barring clubs from observing rivals’ training within 72 hours of a fixture, tightened after Leeds United’s 2019 spying saga under Marcelo Bielsa. The punishment represents a strong statement on sporting integrity.

By morning he was celebrating Scotland’s return to the World Cup after 28 years, by evening his club were denied the richest game in football. At least the finals now await, even if Southampton’s promotion bid has ended in chaos.

Source: Sunderland Echo