Southampton charged by EFL over alleged spying on Middlesbrough
General view of the Southampton crest seen on a corner flag before a match, St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - February 11, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls/File Photo
LONDON, May 9 : The English Football League (EFL) charged second-tier Southampton on Friday after rivals Middlesbrough complained of spying ahead of a Championship promotion playoff semi-final first-leg clash.
The two sides are due to play at Middlesbrough on Saturday with the second leg at St Mary's on Tuesday.
"Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission," the EFL said in a statement.
"This follows a request from the EFL for the club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs meeting (on Saturday)."
The EFL referred to regulations barring clubs from "observing, or attempting to observe, another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs."
The League said Southampton would normally have 14 days to respond but in this case it would ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to list a hearing as soon as possible.
In a statement published on their website, Southampton confirmed charges in relation to alleged breaches of EFL regulations and said they would cooperate fully with the process.
“Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment further at this time,” Southampton said in the statement.
Hull City and Millwall played the other semi-final first leg on Friday with the score ending goalless. They play the second leg in London on Monday.
Millwall finished the season third overall with Southampton fourth, Middlesbrough fifth and Hull sixth.
Champions Coventry City and runners-up Ipswich Town have secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.
