English football club Middlesbrough has released an official statement regarding the spying scandal in the Championship.
Earlier, it was revealed that a performance analyst from Southampton had filmed Middlesbrough's training session and tactical preparations before the first leg of the playoff tie.
Based on the results of two matches, Southampton defeated Middlesbrough (0:0, 2:1) and advanced to the final. The team is set to face Hull City on May 23 for a place in the Premier League.
A photo published by the Daily Mail and later confirmed by The Athletic is said to have been taken at Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Park training ground. It shows a young man hiding behind a tree holding a phone.
Sources suggest the individual may be William Salt, who works in head coach Tonda Ekker's analysis team and is part of Southampton's structure.
Middlesbrough has already lodged a formal complaint against Southampton, accusing them of spying and secretly recording training sessions. Under the rules, Southampton has 14 days to respond to the allegations.
However, the English Football League (EFL) wants the hearing to be held sooner. It is reported that a delayed decision could affect the timing or venue of the Championship final, as Wembley Stadium has a busy schedule in late May and early June.
Middlesbrough's statement reads:
"The club is disappointed with this decision. Because the matters under investigation are directly related to us and we have factual evidence regarding the course of events and their impact on the sporting outcome. The surveillance and filming of our training before such an important game goes against the principles of sporting integrity and fair play. In the current situation, the only adequate decision is to prevent Southampton from participating in the Championship playoff final."
