The English Football League (EFL) has received a formal complaint from Middlesbrough regarding accusations of unauthorized filming by an individual linked to Southampton during a training session.
As the two clubs prepare for their Championship playoff semifinal first leg on Saturday, the EFL announced on Thursday that it has contacted Southampton about claims that someone identified as associated with the club filmed on Middlesbrough’s private property.
The EFL is treating the reported incident as “potential misconduct” in accordance with its regulations.
An EFL spokesperson stated: “The EFL has reached out to Southampton to gather their insights regarding Middlesbrough’s complaint about alleged unauthorized filming prior to the teams’ Championship playoff semifinal this Saturday.”
“The incident reportedly took place on Middlesbrough’s private property by an individual identified as associated with Southampton.”
“This matter is being addressed as potential misconduct under EFL regulations, and we will not be providing any further comments at this time.”
The two teams will face off at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, with the second leg of their semifinal set for St Mary’s next Tuesday.
Southampton qualified for the playoffs with a fourth-place finish in the Championship, while Middlesbrough ended one spot below them, both securing 80 points and separated by goal difference.
Middlesbrough has chosen not to comment on the situation, and Southampton has also been approached for a response by the Press Association.
This alleged incident echoes the infamous “spygate” scandal involving Leeds United, where former manager Marcelo Bielsa acknowledged sending a spy to Derby’s training ground prior to their 2-0 victory over the Rams in January 2019.
Bielsa faced significant backlash for this admission, which prompted him to hold an extensive press conference to explain his coaching philosophy. Following the incident, the EFL imposed a £200,000 fine for violating “good faith” regulations, along with a new rule forbidding teams from observing each other’s training sessions within 72 hours before a match.
Bielsa covered the fine personally.