Southampton Face 2 EFL Charges After Photo Emerges in Middlesbrough Spying Case
Updated
Updated · Sky Sports · May 13
Southampton Face 2 EFL Charges After Photo Emerges in Middlesbrough Spying Case
11 articles · Updated · Sky Sports · May 13
A photo obtained by Sky Sports News shows a man with a camera outside Middlesbrough's training ground, adding fresh evidence to allegations that Southampton staff observed a session before Saturday's play-off semi-final first leg.
The EFL has charged Southampton under rules 3.4 and 127, the latter banning clubs from observing rivals' training within 72 hours of a scheduled match, and an Independent Disciplinary Commission is now investigating.
Southampton reached the Championship play-off final with a 2-1 extra-time win over Boro, but the commission could still dismiss the case, fine the club, delay punishment until next season or remove Saints from the play-offs.
A fast ruling is being sought because the May 23 final is approaching and Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull all have a stake in the outcome, while ticketing, travel and squad plans remain unsettled.
As rivals accuse Southampton of serial spying, is this scandal bigger than just one football match?
With the play-off final looming, will lawyers or players decide who gets promoted to the Premier League?