Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be prevented from taking part in the EFL Championship play-off final if the club is found guilty over alleged spying, the club said, according to the report. The demand comes amid an investigation by the EFL into claims Southampton observed and recorded a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the first leg of their semi-final.
Southampton secured a place in the play-off final against Hull City on May 23 after overcoming Middlesbrough across two legs in their semi-final. The EFL launched a charge against Southampton over the alleged incident in the build-up to the first leg on May 9 and has said the independent panel’s hearing is planned for on or before May 19, with the possibility that the final may have to be moved, per the report.
Middlesbrough said they were regretfully barred from taking part in the EFL hearing despite being directly affected and holding what the club described as relevant factual evidence. “The only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final,” the club said. The statement adds that the conduct at issue “goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition” and that the club hopes the EFL will pursue a sanction to protect the integrity of the game.
The report says the EFL charged Southampton with breaching regulations that prohibit any club from observing or attempting to observe another’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match. Middlesbrough filed a complaint alleging unauthorised filming by someone connected to Southampton ahead of the first leg. A photograph first published by the Daily Mail, showing Southampton first-team performance-analyst intern William Salt allegedly filming a training session, has been seen and verified by ESPN, the report says. Sources have also told ESPN that at least two other Championship teams hold suspicions of being spied on.
Southampton issued a statement requesting more time for an internal investigation, and their manager Tonda Eckert walked out of a post-match press conference after being asked if he was a cheat, per the report. The EFL said it was confident the final would take place on May 23 but warned the outcome of disciplinary proceedings could result in changes and that contingency plans, including appeal considerations, are in place. Middlesbrough players returned to their training ground for a team meeting while uncertain if their season is finished, the report says.
