Southampton have been accused of breaching EFL rules after a staff member spied on Middlesbrough training ahead of a play-off match.
Sky Sports News Borough staff understand they approached a man after spotting him taking photos and videos of training.
He was asked to delete it and reveal his identity and intention to remain there, at which point he allegedly fled indoors near the training area.
He is said to have tried to change his appearance before leaving Rockcliffe altogether.
The EFL said in a statement: “Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL regulations and the matter will be referred to the independent disciplinary committee.”
“This follows the EFL requesting the club’s observation following complaints from Middlesbrough regarding alleged unauthorized filming on private property ahead of the two clubs’ meeting in the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final first leg on Saturday.
“Under EFL rules, Southampton are normally required to respond to the allegations within 14 days. However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Committee to shorten the response period and hold a hearing at the earliest opportunity.”
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How will Southampton benefit from the spying allegations against Middlesbrough?
The offense relates to EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127.
Rule 3.4 states: “In all matters and transactions relating to the League, each Club shall act towards each other and the League with the utmost good faith.”
EFL regulations strictly prohibit opponents from monitoring training sessions within 72 hours before kick-off. This regulation was introduced following the “Spygate” incident in 2019.
Seven years ago, then-Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted sending staff to spy on Derby County, and Leeds were fined £200,000 following an investigation.
EFL Rule 127 on “Prohibited Conduct – Observation of Training Sessions” states: It states: “Without prejudice to the requirements of Regulation 3.4 (each club must act towards the other club in the utmost good faith), no club may observe (or attempt to observe), directly or indirectly, a training session of another club 72 hours prior to a scheduled match between the respective clubs.”
Boro take on Southampton live in the first leg of their play-off semi-final at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday lunchtime. Sky Sports.
Saturday, May 9th 11:30 AM
Kickoff at 12:30 PM
‘Spygate’ version 2? Explaining what happened in Leeds in 2019
The last time a team was accused of spying on an opponent training was when Derby County claimed members of Leeds United’s backroom staff were seen watching training in January 2019.
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Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa held an incredible press conference, giving reporters a 70-minute PowerPoint presentation detailing his analysis of the opposition.
Leeds boss Bielsa later admitted he had sent members of his coaching team to monitor Derby’s training sessions.
Leeds subsequently apologized but the EFL found them guilty of breaching regulation 3.4.
Leeds were fined £200,000 and reprimanded by the EFL. As a result, Rule 127 was introduced.
EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “These sanctions will emphasize that this behavior is unacceptable and will act as a clear deterrent to any future poor behavior by any club.”
