Southampton is under investigation by the EFL for allegedly spying on Middlesbrough before their Championship play-off match. A performance analyst was reportedly caught recording training and photographing tactics.
Mentioned in this story
Southampton and Middlesbrough will face each other in the Championship play-offs [Getty Images]
The English Football League (EFL) has launched an investigation into an alleged case of spying by Southampton on Middlesbrough before they meet in the Championship play-offs.
The first leg of their semi-final takes place at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, with the return at St Mary's on Tuesday.
BBC Sport has learned Saints' performance analyst was allegedly caught recording Boro training and taking pictures of tactics late on Thursday morning.
The staff member was caught, told to delete the footage and leave the area, but the Teesside club were furious and later contacted the EFL.
An EFL statement released on Thursday evening read: "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.
"The League is treating this matter as potential misconduct under EFL regulations and will be making no further comment at this time."
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.
A member of Leeds' staff was found acting suspiciously outside Derby's training ground before a fixture between the two sides on 10 January, 2019.
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".
The EFL is investigating Southampton for allegedly spying on Middlesbrough by recording their training and taking pictures of their tactics.
The first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final between Southampton and Middlesbrough is scheduled for Saturday at the Riverside Stadium.
If found guilty of spying, Southampton could face penalties from the EFL, which may include fines or other disciplinary actions.
Crystal Palace secured their first-ever European final with a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, winning 5-2 on aggregate in the Conference League semi-finals. They will face Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.
Aston Villa dominates Nottingham Forest 4-0 to reach Europa League final!
Roman Anthony of the Red Sox placed on 10-day IL due to wrist injury.
Aston Villa could secure Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League final against Freiburg on May 20.
Yankees call up top prospect Spencer Jones with Jasson Domínguez out for weeks
Highland flag football team focuses on redemption for 2026 season after 2025 loss.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.