Middlesbrough have demanded Southampton be expelled from the Championship play‑off final after filing a complaint that a Southampton staff member filmed a Boro training session before the semi‑final. The allegation, which the Teesiders say attacks the core of sporting integrity, follows Southampton’s 2‑1 semi‑final win over Middlesbrough. Sky Sports released a blurred image of a man with a camera outside the Riverside Stadium.

An independent disciplinary commission will meet before May 19 to decide whether the alleged spying warrants a sanction that could bar the Saints from Wembley on May 23, when they face Hull City. The EFL has warned the fixture date could shift if the hearing or any appeal proceeds, though it plans for a 4.30pm kick‑off. A sanction would force the EFL to reshuffle tickets.

Middlesbrough’s statement reiterated that they possess “relevant factual evidence” of the incident and urged the regulator to act to protect all clubs from unfair advantage. With the final still scheduled, fans and broadcasters await the commission’s verdict, which will determine whether promotion to the Premier League remains contested on the pitch or in the tribunal.