The English Football League (EFL) has charged Southampton with a breach of regulations after Middlesbrough alleged the club was spying on their training sessions ahead of a crucial Championship playoff semi-final.
The charge stems from a complaint by Middlesbrough, who claim Southampton conducted unauthorized filming on private property within 72 hours of their first-leg match, scheduled for Saturday. The league's rules specifically prohibit observing another club's training session during that window.
The EFL said the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission, and it will request a hearing as soon as possible, bypassing the standard 14-day response period.
Southampton, who finished fourth in the regular season, face fifth-place Middlesbrough in a two-legged tie with a place at Wembley on the line. Neither club has commented publicly on the matter.
In the other semi-final, Hull City and Millwall played to a scoreless draw in the first leg on Friday, setting up a decisive second leg on Monday.