Allegations are circulating online suggesting that English club Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-off competition following claims that a member of their staff was caught spying on Middlesbrough’s training session.
According to the unverified reports, an intern identified as William Salt allegedly hid behind a tree and secretly recorded a Middlesbrough training session ahead of their play-off semi-final clash. The incident is said to have breached competition rules regarding match preparation and training ground security.
The viral claim further alleges that despite Southampton winning the tie 2–1 and progressing to the final at Wembley, the club has now been disqualified from the play-offs as a disciplinary measure.
If true, the development would have major implications for the competition structure, with Middlesbrough reportedly set to face Hull City in the final at Wembley on May 23.
However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from the English Football League (EFL), Southampton, Middlesbrough, or any governing football authority regarding the alleged incident or any sanctions.