Middlesbrough have maintained that Southampton must be expelled from the Championship play-off final to uphold sporting integrity following the SpyGate controversy that overshadowed their semi-final clash.
Club Regrets Exclusion from Legal Proceedings
The Teesside club were defeated by the Saints in the play-off semi-final amid the SpyGate saga, but they continue to urge the authorities to impose a “sporting sanction” that could see Middlesbrough advance to the final in Southampton’s place.
In a statement, Middlesbrough said: “Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.
“The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.
“The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.
“We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League. The club reserves all its legal rights.”
What’s Next?
This is a developing story. Further updates, including the EFL’s response and any legal developments, will be provided as they emerge.
