Middlesbrough vs Southampton: EFL charges Saints after member of staff was alleged to have spied on Boro training

Southampton have been charged with a breach of EFL regulations after a member of staff was alleged to have spied on Middlesbrough's training ahead of their play-off tie.

He was asked to delete them, provide his identity and his intentions for being there, at which point he is said to have fled to a nearby indoor part of the training complex.

He is then said to have tried to change his appearance before leaving Rockcliffe entirely.

Southampton confirmed they are now 'cooperating' with the EFL in a statement released on Friday evening.

The statement read: "Southampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.

"We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process.

"Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time."

Speaking to Sky Sports on Saturday, Southampton boss Tonda Eckert said: "I believe the club has made a statement. That's all I can say at the moment.

"I believe when you arrive in this moment of the season it's not coaches who win games, it's the players. It's going to be the same today."

The EFL had earlier released a statement which read: "Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.

"This follows a request from the EFL for the club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final first leg.

"Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges. However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity."

The breaches relate to EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127.

Regulation 3.4 states: "In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club shall behave towards each other and the league with the utmost good faith."

EFL rules strictly prohibit opponents spying on training sessions less than 72 hours before kick-off - a rule brought in following a "spygate" incident in 2019.

Seven years ago, then Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted sending a member of staff to spy on Derby County and Leeds were fined £200,000 following an investigation.

EFL rule 127 was brought in on "Prohibited Conduct - Observing Training Sessions", which states: "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."