Southampton were charged by the EFL for breaching EFL regulations ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg against Boro
Southampton have released a fresh statement on ‘spygate’ ahead of the second leg this evening.(Image: 2026 Matt Watson)
Southampton CEO Phil Parsons says the club are fully cooperating with the EFL and the Disciplinary Commission after being charged regulations ahead of their play-off semi-final first leg. Boro complained to the EFL accusing the Saints of unauthorised filming by someone connected to their play-off rivals during a training session ahead of Saturday’s first leg at the Riverside Stadium.
An EFL statement read: “Southampton have 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.”
Boro boss Kim Hellberg was left furious by the revelation and accused their rivals of cheating. Reports this morning claim the Teessiders will be pushing for sporting sanctions to be imposed on Southampton, which could see them kicked out of the play-offs, regardless of the result tonight.
Last week, Southampton issued a statement that the club will be “fully cooperating with the league throughout this process.”
Now a fresh statement has been released ahead of the second leg this evening from Pasons, which read: “We would like to provide a brief update regarding the incident reported at Middlesbrough last week. The club is fully cooperating with the EFL and the Disciplinary Commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood.
“Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly. We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn.
“Having spent a significant amount of time around this football club, I know the character of the people within it. The togetherness shown by players, staff and supporters throughout this season has been a huge part of the progress we have made, and I am confident that spirit will remain unchanged.
“This season has represented another important step forward for the football club. While we know there is still more work ahead of us and we are not yet where we ultimately want to be, the unity shown during challenging moments has continued to define Southampton Football Club.
“The support from our fans throughout the season has once again been exceptional, and everyone connected with the club remains fully committed to building long-term success in the right way. Dragan Solak continues to support the club financially, and we remain proud to have stayed competitive while operating within financial regulations, something that is important for the long-term stability of the club.
“Our focus now turns fully to this evening’s game. This is the time for all of us to get behind the team and create another special atmosphere at St Mary’s. Phil Parsons.”
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has faced scrutiny after spying allegations.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Saints boss Tonda Eckert walked out of his post-match press conference last week after the first leg, with journalists probing for an answer about the recent ‘spygate’ allegations. However, the German head coach repeatedly referenced the club’s original statement before leaving the press conference.
Hellberg said his team would be trying to win the tie the right way in an angry post-match verdict. He said: “(It has) not affected our build-up. We have done what we should have done before this type of game.
“We have watched every Southampton game there is, trying to find different solutions to beat them, how they press, how they build up, working hard with that.
“Putting every hour of the day to try to do what you should do, to get the advantage to win in the right way. It’s a weird situation. Couldn’t believe my eyes or ears when heard it, couldn’t believe it when someone told me for the second time or the third.
“But if someone makes decisions to go and try to cheat, that’s clear and it will be interesting to see what happens with that.”
Boro are back in action at St. Mary’s tonight with the score level at 0-0 and Hull City await the eventual winners at Wembley later this month.
