EFL requests observations from Southampton after alleged filming, echoing Marcelo Bielsa spygate | OneFootball

The EFL said it has written to Southampton requesting observations after a Middlesbrough complaint about alleged unauthorised filming before Saturday’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg, a development drawing parallels with Marcelo Bielsa’s 2019 ‘spygate’ saga.

The governing body said the incident is alleged to have taken place on Middlesbrough’s private property by an individual associated with Southampton. It added that the matter is being treated as potential misconduct under EFL regulations and that no further comment will be made at this stage.

Leeds were fined £200,000 in 2019 after a staff member was spotted watching Derby County train from a public footpath. Bielsa faced heavy criticism, then held a 70 minute press conference outlining his exhaustive analysis and later paid the fine himself.

Rules introduced after that episode state that no club may directly or indirectly observe another club’s training within 72 hours of a match.

Middlesbrough host Southampton at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, with the return at St Mary’s on Tuesday. Millwall and Hull City contest the other semi-final, with all four teams aiming to join Leeds in the Premier League.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk