Southampton have been charged by the EFL after a club employee was allegedly found spying in Middlesbrough training before their crucial playoff clash.
A Saints club employee was spotted hiding in the bushes at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training centre on Thursday. They were apparently recording training.
After being seen, they refused to identify themselves but deleted videos and photos from their phone. The man in question then left the site and made his way to the Rockliffe Hall Hotel where he reportedly changed clothes
Middlesbrough lodged an official complaint to the EFL about the incident, with the governing body launching an investigation in the aftermath. And they have now confirmed that Southampton have been charged.
A statement from the EFL read: ” Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.
“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 in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg. The charges relate to the following Regulations:
“EFL Regulation 3.4 , which requires Clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and EFL Regulation 127 , which prohibits any Club from observing, or attempting to observe, another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two Clubs.
“Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges. However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity. The League will make no further comment whilst proceedings are ongoing. “
Southampton and Middlesbrough are set to meet in this season’s Championship playoffs, the first leg due to take place at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday. The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday evening.
As per EFL rules, clubs are not permitted from viewing opponent’s training 72 hours before a game unless they are invited to do so. That rule was brought into force after a Leeds United staff member was accused of spying on Derby County ahead of a 2019 league game.
Then Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted he was behind that plan, with the club eventually slapped with a £200,000 fine.
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