England’s version of ‘Spygate’ gave us the funniest photo imaginable

TL;DR

Southampton faces allegations of spying on Middlesbrough ahead of their Championship playoff match. A humorous photo has emerged as evidence, raising questions about the club's promotion odds.

Key points

Southampton won 2-1 on aggregate against Middlesbrough
Allegations of spying emerged before the first playoff leg
EFL regulations prohibit observing training sessions within 72 hours of a match

SouthamptonMiddlesbroughEFL Championship

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Caspar Jander of Southampton battles for possession with Riley McGree of Middlesbrough during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi Final Second Leg match between Southampton and Middlesbrough at St Mary's Stadium on May 12, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) | Getty Images There is a new “Spygate” scandal rocking the sporting world, thanks to soccer’s EFL Championship League playoffs. And the latest bit of evidence is downright hilarious. Southampton booked a spot in the Championship playoff final — and potentially a shot at promotion to the Premier League — with a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday, which gave the club a 2-1 win on aggregate. But the club’s promotion odds remain on shaky ground after allegations of potentially spying on Middlesbrough ahead of the first playoff leg between the two sides. Under EFL regulations, clubs cannot “observe,” or attempt to ”observe” another club’s training session within 72 hours of a schedule match between the two sides. However, Middlesbrough filed a complaint alleging unauthorized filming by someone connected to Southampton, which came ahead of the first leg of the semifinal between the two clubs. That first match ended in a 0-0 draw. And now the *Daily Mail* is alleging to have the hilarious photographic evidence, of a member of Southampton allegedly recording the training session in question: The outlet also outlines how a potential “paper trail” has emerged in their own into the matter. Right now, Southampton is slated to take on Hull at Wembley on May 23, with the winners securing the third and final promotion spot to the Premier League. But the EFL has indicated a hearing on the spying allegations will “at the earliest opportunity.” Specifically, Southampton is alleged to have violated these two :

Q&A

What are the spying allegations against Southampton in the EFL Championship?

Southampton is accused of unauthorized filming of Middlesbrough's training session, violating EFL regulations.

When is Southampton's next match in the Championship playoffs?

Southampton is scheduled to play Hull at Wembley on May 23 for the final promotion spot to the Premier League.

What EFL regulations did Southampton allegedly violate?

Southampton is alleged to have violated EFL Regulation 3.4, requiring good faith between clubs, and Regulation 127, prohibiting observation of training sessions within 72 hours of a match.