Middlesbrough has filed a complaint against Southampton for alleged unauthorized filming of training sessions ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final. The English Football League is set to investigate these claims as the teams prepare to face off.
Key points
Middlesbrough lodged a complaint against Southampton
Allegations involve unauthorized filming of training sessions
EFL is investigating the claims
Teams are set to meet in Championship play-offs
First leg at Riverside Stadium, return leg at St Mary's Stadium
Mentioned in this story
English Football League
MiddlesbroughSouthamptonChampionship play-offs
The EFL will investigate claims made by Middlesbrough against Southampton (Getty Images)
The EFL will investigate claims made by Middlesbrough against Southampton (Getty Images)
The Championship play-offs are here and âSpygate 2.0â has arrived to pack more drama into the Middlesbrough vs Southampton semi-final tie.
There is now greater intrigue surrounding the tie after Boro lodged a complaint against Saints following claims that they spied on training sessions, with the English Football League (EFL) launching an investigation into the allegations.
The sides meet in the Championship play-offs, with the first leg of the semi-final at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday before the return leg at St Mary's Stadium on Tuesday.
The dispute between the clubs brings back memories from 2019 when Marcelo Bielsaâs Leeds United were fined ÂŁ200,000 by the EFL.
A Leeds member of staff was caught acting suspiciously outside Derby Countyâs training ground before facing Frank Lampardâs side on 10 January, with the club later apologising.
BBC Sport is reporting that the incident involves a Southampton performance analyst, with the specific nature of the allegations thought to centre around filming and pictures taken to record tactics on Thursday morning.
Q&A
What are the allegations against Southampton in Spygate 2.0?
Middlesbrough alleges that Southampton engaged in unauthorized filming of their training sessions.
What is the significance of the EFL's investigation into the complaint?
The EFL's investigation could impact the Championship play-off semi-final between Middlesbrough and Southampton.
When do Middlesbrough and Southampton play in the Championship play-offs?
Middlesbrough and Southampton will play the first leg on Saturday at Riverside Stadium and the return leg on Tuesday at St Mary's Stadium.
What is Spygate 2.0 in the context of football?
Spygate 2.0 refers to the renewed controversy surrounding allegations of spying and unauthorized filming in football, reminiscent of previous incidents in the sport.
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The staff member was reportedly caught and ordered to delete the footage before being ordered to leave the Rockliffe Park training base. Southampton have been contacted for comment.
Che Adams of Southampton is challenged by Lukas Engel of Middlesbrough (Getty)
EFL rules specify that "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".
Manager Marcelo Bielsa later admitted when discussing the 2019 incident that he sent a member of staff to watch training sessions of every opponent during the 2018/19 season, with the EFL stating that Leeds failed to treat teams with âgood faithâ.
Though Bielsa maintains the club did not cheat, and that the decision to observe opponents was merely down to stupidity.
âI observed all the rivals we played against and watched the training sessions of all opponents,â said the Argentine.
âSo why did I send someone to watch them? Just because I thought I wasnât violating the norm. All the information I need to clarify [my tactics] I gather without watching the training session of the opponent ⊠but we feel guilty if we donât work enough. Watching it [the opponents training] allows us to have less anxiety and, in my case, I am stupid enough to allow this kind of behaviour.â
Marcelo Bielsa and Frank Lampard fell out over the incident in 2019 (PA)
Marcelo Bielsa and Frank Lampard fell out over the incident in 2019 (PA)
What has the EFL said?
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."
What are the EFLâs rules about observing opposition training?
The EFL rule 127 covers "Prohibited Conduct - Observing Training Sessions", and specifies: "Without prejudice to the requirements of Regulation 3.4 (that each Club shall behave towards each other Club with the utmost good faith), 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 scheduled to be played between those respective Clubs."
Regulation 3.4 adds: "In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club shall behave towards each other and the league with the utmost good faith."
What are the consequences of a team found guilty of spying on opponents?
Leeds were eventually fined ÂŁ200,000 by the EFL over âSpygate 1.0,â with EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey outlining that the punishment would act as âa clear deterrentâ over future conduct in the league.