Middlesbrough have called for Southampton to be expelled from the Championship play-off final following allegations of spying that have sparked controversy at the end of the English Football League (EFL) season.
Southampton secured their place in the final after an extra-time victory over Middlesbrough in the second leg of their semi-final, setting up a Wembley clash against Hull City on Saturday, 23 May. However, the fixture now faces uncertainty pending the outcome of an ongoing disciplinary process.
The EFL has launched an investigation into claims that Southampton officials were involved in observing Middlesbrough’s training session at Rockliffe Park last Thursday, ahead of the first leg of the semi-final.
An independent disciplinary committee hearing is expected to take place on or before Tuesday, 19 May, but Middlesbrough will not be allowed to participate in the proceedings.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, Middlesbrough said the alleged conduct undermines fair play and the integrity of the competition, insisting that only a sporting sanction would be appropriate.
“The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition,” the club said.
It added: “In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.”
Middlesbrough also urged the EFL to take decisive action, warning that failure to impose a strong sanction could weaken the governing body’s ability to deter similar behaviour in the future.
“We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair advantage,” the statement added.
The outcome of the disciplinary hearing will determine whether Southampton’s scheduled play-off final against Hull City proceeds as planned or faces disruption.
