Southampton have been charged by the EFL following allegations of spying by Middlesbrough.
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 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.
“Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges.
Southampton have been charged by the EFL following allegations of spying by Middlesbrough
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“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.”
Responding to the news, Southampton, in a club statement, said: “Southampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.
“We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the league throughout this process. Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time.”
The breaches are in relation to EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127.
Regulation 3.4 states: “In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club shall behave towards each other and the league with the utmost good faith.”
The charges against Southampton are in relation to breaches of EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127
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EFL rule 127 is focused on observing training sessions during a time frame or without invitation.
It reads: “Without prejudice to the requirements of Regulation 3.4 (that each club shall behave towards each other club with the utmost good faith), no club shall directly or indirectly observe (or attempt to observe) another club’s training session in the period of 72 hours prior to any match scheduled to be played between those respective clubs.”
The rule was introduced following a “spygate” incident in 2019.
Then Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted sending a member of staff to spy on Derby County.
Leeds were fined £200,000 after being found guilty of breaking Regulation 3.4.
Middlesbrough host the Saints tomorrow
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Then EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “The sanctions imposed highlight how actions such as this cannot be condoned, and act as a clear deterrent should any club seek to undertake poor conduct in the future.”
The Saints are in action against Middlesbrough at 12:30pm on May 9 in the first leg of the playoffs.
Southampton have turned their season around after a very slow start, with Tonda Eckert stepping in for Will Still and going on an incredible run, which even saw them reach the FA Cup semi-finals after victory against the top of the Premier League, Arsenal.
The Saints took the lead in the semi against Manchester City but ended up losing 2-1.
Southampton said they ‘will be fully cooperating with the league throughout the process’
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They are eyeing up a second trip to Wembley but have to make it past a Middlesbrough side, who were eyeing up automatic promotion at one stage of the season.
Boro, who have the joint-second-best defence in the Championship this season, come into the game having drawn with Wrexham on the final day, which saw the Red Dragons miss out on the playoffs.
Middlesbrough beat Southampton in this fixture during the season, thrashing the Saints 4-0 with goals from Sam Silvera, Alan Browne and Morgan Whittaker, who got a brace.
They will be looking for a repeat tomorrow in a contest that sets up a match at Wembley worth £200million.
