EFL Probes Possible Southampton Spy Before Play-Off Semi-Final Match

"The EFL has contacted Southampton FC seeking their input after a report from Middlesbrough FC about supposed unauthorised video recording prior to the teams' encounter in Saturday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg," an EFL representative stated to the Southampton newspaper The Southern Daily Echo.

"The claimed event reportedly occurred on Middlesbrough's private grounds involving a person connected to Southampton.

"The league regards this issue as possible misconduct according to EFL rules and will offer no additional statements currently."

BBC Sport indicated that a Southampton analyst was spotted filming Middlesbrough's training and capturing images of strategies early Thursday morning, only two days ahead of Saturday's opening fixture at the Riverside Stadium. The analyst was directed to remove the recordings and depart the location.

League guidelines prevent teams from viewing or trying to view another side's training within the 72 hours preceding a fixture.

Southampton was unavailable for prompt comment.