Southampton Football Club have been charged by the EFL for breaches of unsporting behaviour and spying.
Both charges have been brought against the Saints after an analyst was found to have been observing Middlesbrough’s training session at Rockcliffe yesterday (7 May), ahead of the first leg of the Championship Play-Off Semi-Final tie between the pair at Riverside Stadium tomorrow (9 May).
Boro subsequently lodged a formal complaint to the EFL complete with evidence ‘relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property’ at Rockcliffe.
Following receipt of Southampton’s response, the EFL has opted to issue two separate charges in relation to breaches of the following EFL regulations:
EFL Regulation 3.4. which requires Clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith: and
EFL Regulation 127. which prohibits any Club from observing, or attempting to observe, another Club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two Clubs.
Southampton usually would be given 14 days to respond to the charges but given the serious nature of the matter, the EFL has referred the matter to the Independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC), and requested that the IDC shorten the Saints’ response period and list a hearing at the earliest practicable opportunity.
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