"The EFL has written to Southampton FC requesting their observations following a complaint from Middlesbrough FC relating to alleged unauthorised filming ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg. The alleged incident is said to have taken place on Middlesbrough's private property by an individual identified to be associated with Southampton."
"EFL rules state 'no club shall directly or indirectly observe (or attempt to observe) another club's training session in the period of 72 hours prior to any match'. It was brought in seven years ago after Leeds United were fined 200,000 by the EFL for watching opponents train before matches."
"Boss Marcelo Bielsa revealed he had sent a member of staff to watch training sessions of every team Leeds had played that season. The EFL found Leeds breached rules over treating teams with 'good faith'."
Southampton's performance analyst was allegedly caught recording Middlesbrough's training and photographing tactics on Thursday morning before their Championship play-off semi-final. The staff member was discovered, instructed to delete the footage, and removed from the area. Middlesbrough reported the incident to the EFL, which launched a misconduct investigation. EFL regulations prohibit clubs from observing opponents' training within 72 hours before matches. This rule was established seven years ago following Leeds United's similar violation in 2019, when manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted sending staff to watch training sessions of every opponent that season. Leeds was fined £200,000 for breaching good faith requirements.
#efl-investigation #spying-scandal #championship-play-offs #sports-misconduct #training-session-surveillance
Read at www.bbc.com
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