The English Football League (EFL) attacked second-tier Southampton on Friday after rival Middlesbrough complained of espionage ahead of a semi-final match in the Championship promotion play-offs.
The two teams play in Middlesbrough on Saturday and the second leg on Tuesday at St. Mary’s.
“Southampton Football Club has today been charged with breaching EFL regulations and the matter will be referred to an independent disciplinary committee,” the EFL said in a statement.
“This follows a request from the EFL for observations of the club following a complaint from Middlesbrough regarding alleged unauthorized filming on private property ahead of the two clubs’ meeting (on Saturday).”
The EFL referred to rules banning clubs from “observing or attempting to observe the training of another club within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.”
The League said Southampton would normally have 14 days to respond, but in this case it would ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to organize a hearing as soon as possible.
There was no immediate comment from either club.
Hull City and Millwall played the first leg of the other semi-final on Friday, with the score ending goalless. They play the second leg in London on Monday.
Millwall finished the season third overall with Southampton fourth, Middlesbrough fifth and Hull sixth.
Champions Coventry City and runners-up Ipswich Town have secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Published on May 9, 2026
