EFL charges Southampton over alleged Middlesbrough spying before play-off semi-final

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·10 maggio 2026

EFL charges Southampton over alleged Middlesbrough spying before play-off semi-final

The EFL said in a statement that Southampton have been charged with breaching regulations after a Middlesbrough complaint of alleged spying ahead of Saturday’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg, scheduled for 13:30.

Competition rules prohibit clubs from observing, or attempting to observe, another team’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled meeting.

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The case will go before an independent disciplinary commission. Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond, but in this instance an accelerated hearing will be sought.

In 2019, Leeds United were fined £200,000 (€230,000) after a staff member was seen watching Derby County’s training from a public footpath.

Marcelo Bielsa later paid that fine himself amid widespread criticism.

Source: L'Équipe