Why Southampton’s alleged spying scandal has left the EFL in an impossible position | OneFootball

It was a cross that may have only served to increase the anger. Shea Charles’ extra-time play-off semi-final winner against Middlesbrough was inadvertent, an attempt to find a teammate that reaped a greater reward. It was scarcely the product of planning. There may be an irony in that, given that Southampton’s attempts to prepare for the first leg involved – allegedly – a staff member hiding in the bushes at Boro’s training ground, looking for information in illicit ways. Illegal, too, given the EFL rulebook.

Spygate 2.0 has become the biggest crisis in play-off history. The EFL could have been forgiven for celebrating when Riley McGree put Middlesbrough ahead at St Mary’s on Tuesday; not from bias, but because it threatened to avoid the most damaging scenario. Which, with Southampton prevailing and now favourites to beat Hull at Wembley on 23 May, is of a tainted triumph, a promotion aided by – to use a word Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg has deployed – cheating.

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Southampton beat Middlesbrough in extra time to reach the play-off final – but could yet face punishment (PA)

Had Boro progressed, the EFL’s charge against Southampton could have been heard and, if proven, a punishment applied with a different context. Now this risks being Spygate £200m, given the potential value of a place in the Premier League.

Through no fault of its own, the EFL is in an impossible position. It has charged Southampton with breaching two regulations: 3.4, requiring clubs to act with good faith towards each other; and, more specifically, 127, prohibiting clubs from observing or attempting to observe another’s training sessions within 72 hours of a game.

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Southampton could yet face a stiff punishment over the alleged incident (Getty)

An independent disciplinary commission will hear the case; an expedited one, given that clubs are normally given 14 days to respond to charges. The EFL have asked the commission to respect the time challenges. Potential sanctions, if guilty, range from a warning to a fine to a points deduction to expulsion from the league.

All of which can pose both logistical issues as well as moral ones. There will be a play-off final at Wembley next Saturday; the logical assumption is that Southampton will be in it, whereas the certainty is Hull will be. Middlesbrough, understandably angry about the situation, may wonder if they are involved instead. Normally, of course, a team beaten in the play-offs would heading off on their holidays now.

If Boro linger in limbo, the same may be said of the division as a whole. The league, too: while the EFL want the commission to decide quickly, they do not determine the timeline.

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Middlesbrough have been left in limbo and are continuing to train (PA Wire)

And even then, any verdict could be appealed by either Southampton or the EFL, should they wish. Middlesbrough do not; if they wanted to pursue a case, it would have to be via other means. Whether that would mean legal action remains to be seen but it does bring the possibility that the repercussions will continue.

Which, given the scale of the prize, may be unsurprising. Much obviously hinges on Southampton’s explanation to the independent commission. The mooted argument that the analyst found by Boro was a lone wolf might be met with scepticism. Perhaps it is worth looking at the expenses he submitted to see if they included the petrol for a 590-mile round trip to Middlesbrough’s Darlington training ground or green fees for the golf course that borders the football club’s facilities. Or, indeed his call list, WhatsApps and emails to see which other Southampton employees he contacted and when. It is worth noting that the EFL has charged Southampton as a club; another question is if any form of disciplinary action follows against any implicated individuals.

The most high-profile of them, Tonda Eckert, is clearly suspected by Boro. On Wednesday, Hellberg pointedly congratulated the Southampton players and fans, but not the management.

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Tonda Eckert will come under scrutiny if the spying allegation is founded (PA)

The 33-year-old German has overseen some remarkable results. Now a reputation is on the line. Were they built on coaching acumen – aided by a calibre of player most Championship clubs cannot afford – or on inside information, procured improperly? Is Eckert managerial wunderkind or rogue?

What can be said is that Southampton have only lost once in 26 games, and even that was a narrow FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City. It is a terrific run of form; some feel such knowledge that any spy gained from observing Middlesbrough would actually make little difference; which is not to say they were right to do so.

Meanwhile, Eckert’s oddities have become more apparent under the spotlight. He walked out of his press conference on Tuesday night when asked directly if he is a cheat. Perhaps the independent commission will deliver their own view on that. But whatever they decide, it feels explosive. Go for the nuclear option and expel Southampton from the play-offs and it creates an almighty mess – and a possibility of a challenge. Find them guilty and fine them and even a sizeable amount would be far less than the prize for promotion; nor would it be likely to assuage Middlesbrough.

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Southampton have lost just once in their last 26 matches (Getty)

In the meantime, some of the Southampton fans who came in disguise to the second leg can plan to go to Wembley dressed as hedges or carrying their binoculars. Which, in fairness, was actually quite funny. But for the EFL and Middlesbrough alike, this is no laughing matter.