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  "path": "/sport/football/middlesbrough-meeting-efl-southampton-spying",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-14T10:35:17.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Adam Peaty to compete at Commonwealth Games under new name following Holly Ramsay wedding",
    "Rory McIlroy 'surprised' as golf star gives PGA Championship withdrawal update",
    "World Cup half-time show acts revealed with Madonna and Shakira set to grace the stage",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nMiddlesbrough's players returned to training on Thursday still uncertain whether their season may yet be revived as the Championship's escalating \"spygate\" controversy continues to cast doubt over the play-off final.\n\nThe squad gathered at Rockliffe Park for meetings and light training despite their extra-time defeat to Southampton on Tuesday night.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSouthampton are currently due to face Hull City at Wembley on May 23 after winning the semi-final 2-1 after extra time.\n\nHowever, the south-coast club remain the subject of an ongoing English Football League disciplinary process.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nThe EFL has charged Southampton with alleged breaches of league regulations following Middlesbrough's complaint that a person connected to the club attempted to observe one of their training sessions within 72 hours of the first leg.\n\nOne of the regulations involved, Rule 127, prohibits clubs from observing or attempting to observe an opponent's training session in the 72 hours before a scheduled fixture.\n\nThe case will now be considered by an independent disciplinary commission, which will determine whether any rules were broken and, if so, what sanction should apply.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nNo conclusions have yet been reached, and the full facts remain under review.\n\nReports have stated that Middlesbrough are seeking the strongest possible punishment if Southampton are found to have breached the rules.\n\nPotential sanctions could range from a fine to a sporting penalty, although no outcome has been predetermined.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Adam Peaty to compete at Commonwealth Games under new name following Holly Ramsay wedding\n  * Rory McIlroy 'surprised' as golf star gives PGA Championship withdrawal update\n  * World Cup half-time show acts revealed with Madonna and Shakira set to grace the stage\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMiddlesbrough are keeping their players on standby until there is clarity over the situation.\n\nRather than immediately beginning their summer holidays, the squad has remained in training in case developments alter the outcome of the play-offs.\n\nSouthampton issued a statement earlier this week confirming that they had requested additional time to complete an internal investigation.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe club has not commented further while the disciplinary process remains ongoing.\n\nThe controversy has overshadowed Southampton's victory at St Mary's, where Shea Charles scored a dramatic extra-time winner to send his side to Wembley.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTensions were already high after a fractious semi-final played amid intense scrutiny.\n\nFollowing the match, Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert ended his press conference after being asked whether he considered himself a cheat.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHis club's communications director intervened and brought the media session to a close.\n\nFor now, Southampton remain in the play-off final. Middlesbrough, however, continue to hold out hope.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Middlesbrough players hold meeting as EFL investigates Southampton spying allegations"
}