Southampton not expected to deny EFL charge for spying at disciplinary

The process for a charge of two regulation breaches is still ongoing <i>(Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)</i>
The process for a charge of two regulation breaches is still ongoing (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
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SAINTS are not expected to contest charges for two EFL regulation breaches over an alleged incident of spying on Middlesbrough.

Boro complained to the league after they accused Saints of making unauthorised recordings of a training session at Rockliffe Park on Thursday.

The EFL fast-tracked the case to an independent disciplinary committee to oversee a verdict and potential punishment within the next two weeks.

The teams played out a 0-0 draw in their Championship play-off semi-final first leg at Riverside Stadium on Saturday, with the return leg on Tuesday.

Reports have claimed Boro have extensive CCTV footage of the incident, while manager Kim Hellberg has been firm in his accusation of "cheating".

Rockliffe Park training centre, MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough's Rockliffe Park training centre (Image: Google Maps)

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Saints have said they will "cooperate fully" with the investigation, and it is understood they will not deny the charges at a disciplinary hearing.

They may attempt to mitigate the offence, with reports elsewhere suggesting they will claim the individual was an analyst acting on his own initiative.

Leeds United were fined £200,000 for a similar incident in 2019, but that was before the EFL had implemented a specific anti-spying regulation.

Teams are no longer allowed to observe or make unauthorised recordings of opposition training without permission within 72 hours of a match.

Middlesbrough are likely to push for the harshest possible sanctions, which could include fines, bans, points deductions and even play-off expulsion.

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