Southampton’s place in the Championship play-off final is in doubt after the EFL confirmed a disciplinary hearing into an alleged spying incident involving Middlesbrough.
The south coast club has been charged with breaching EFL rules after an individual linked to Southampton was allegedly seen filming Middlesbrough’s training session from a concealed position ahead of the semi-final first leg.
The first leg ended goalless, before Southampton won the return leg 2-1 to set up a Wembley final against Hull City. However, Middlesbrough are now pushing for Southampton to be expelled from the competition.
The EFL said an independent disciplinary commission will hear the case on or before 19 May, with a decision expected shortly after. The Championship play-off final is currently scheduled for 23 May, leaving a narrow window between the hearing and the fixture.
In a statement, the EFL said it continues to plan for the final to take place as scheduled, but warned the outcome of the proceedings could lead to changes, including potential rescheduling or further contingency measures. The governing body added that it does not control the timetable of the independent commission.
The individual at the centre of the allegations has been identified in reports as a Southampton analyst. He was allegedly spotted near Middlesbrough’s training ground before fleeing the scene after being challenged, later entering a nearby golf club and changing clothes.
Further details reported include that the individual used a bank card at a golf club owned by Middlesbrough’s chairman on the same day, with the transaction said to have created a potential trail of movements.
Sources have also indicated that transactions linked to the individual may have taken place near other Championship clubs in the days leading up to matches against Southampton. One club is understood to be reviewing CCTV amid concerns they may also have been targeted.
A whistleblower is reported to have provided a statement suggesting the alleged activity may not have been an isolated incident. Middlesbrough are seeking access to documents and records linked to the case as part of the disciplinary process.
The situation has also affected preparations for the final. Southampton had published ticket information for the Wembley match, including sales windows and travel details, but later removed it from their website.
It is understood the removal followed EFL guidance requiring both finalists to release ticket details simultaneously, although it comes amid ongoing uncertainty around the fixture.
As it stands, both the date of the Championship play-off final and the identity of Hull City’s opponent remain unclear pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.