Southampton have requested additional days to conduct an internal review after the EFL charged them with spying on Middlesbrough. The league cites a coaching staff member allegedly watching a training session at Rockliffe Park just two days before the 0‑0 first‑leg draw.

Middlesbrough claim the observer recorded the session, breaching rules that prohibit “observing or attempting to observe” a club’s training within 72 hours of a match. No denial has come from Saints, and the club’s boss Tonda Eckert left a post‑match press conference early after refusing to confirm a performance analyst’s presence.

The EFL has asked the independent disciplinary commission for a hearing as soon as possible, while normally Saints would have 14 days to respond. CEO Phil Parsons said the club is fully cooperating and wants to ensure all facts are understood before conclusions are drawn.

With the second‑leg clash at St Mary’s on Tuesday and a final against Hull City at Wembley on 23 May, the outcome of the review could affect the Saints’ campaign trajectory and their ability to focus on the play‑off schedule.