"As with all commission members, my duty was to consider only the evidence, the applicable EFL regulations, and the submissions advanced by the parties.
The decision reached was unanimous and followed detailed legal argument, documentary evidence, witness testimony and careful deliberation by an experienced independent panel," Winnie explained.
He noted that formal channels were available for either club to challenge the composition of the board if any legitimate concerns existed.
"At no stage was any issue raised by either party regarding my independence or suitability to sit on the commission.
Had there been any legitimate basis for concern, the appropriate procedures existed for that to be addressed before the hearing proceeded," stated Winnie.
He concluded his remarks on the panel's neutrality by stating that their sole focus was to enforce the rules governing the competition.
"Professional integrity in these proceedings is paramount.
My role was to uphold the integrity of the competition and apply the regulations fairly, without fear or favour, and that is precisely what the commission did," Winnie said.
>>> Liverpool Agrees to Sign Colombian Youth Star Samuel Martinez
An intern caught at the Middlesbrough training ground told the panel he felt pressured to perform the surveillance.
The commission described the involvement of junior staff members in these operations as particularly deplorable.
Winnie acknowledged the severe impact of the ruling on English football but maintained that regulations must be applied regardless of a club's reputation.
"The commission's duty was not to consider popularity, reputation or consequence in isolation, but to uphold the integrity of the competition and apply the regulations fairly, independently and without fear or favour," Winnie remarked.
