A suspected Southampton first-team analyst has been allegedly caught filming Middlesbrough's training session whilst hiding in bushes by the training ground.
Club personnel at the Teesside training facility spotted and spoke to the individual just 48 hours before Kim Hellberg's Boro are set to host Tonda Eckert's Southampton in the opening leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
The man is alleged to have captured videos and photographs on his phone, which he is claimed to have deleted.
Following the encounter, he departed the training ground premises and proceeded to Rockliffe Hall Hotel, which is owned by Boro chairman Steve Gibson, located adjacent to the facility.
Once inside the hotel, the individual allegedly changed his clothing in a toilet before vacating the area, according to The Mail.
Middlesbrough have reportedly contacted the EFL regarding the incident, as surveillance of opposition training sessions would constitute a breach of league regulations.
Rules introduced following the 2019 spying scandal explicitly prohibit clubs from observing rival teams' training within 72 hours of a fixture, unless they have received an invitation to do so.
The timing of Thursday's alleged incident, which occurred 48 hours before Saturday's play-off clash, falls within this prohibited window.
Middlesbrough allegedly caught a Southampton spy at their training ground
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Public profile pages belonging to the individual believed to be involved indicate he is currently employed by Southampton, according to reports.
Football authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the matter.
The incident bears striking similarities to the controversy surrounding Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United in 2019.
The Argentine manager accepted responsibility for sending someone to spy on Derby County's training ahead of their play-off contest.
Kim Hellberg's side face Southampton in the play-off semi-finals
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Leeds received a £200,000 fine and formal reprimand from the EFL after admitting they had breached Regulation 3.4.
The rule states: "In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club shall behave towards each other club and The League with the utmost good faith."
Shaun Harvey, who served as EFL chief executive at the time, said: "The sanctions imposed highlight how actions such as this cannot be condoned and act as a clear deterrent should any club seek to undertake poor conduct in the future."
The incident bears striking similarities to the controversy surrounding Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United in 2019
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Despite Leeds United's best efforts, they fell short and succumbed to a dramatic 4-3 aggregate loss over the two legs.
Derby County players at the time Harry Wilson and Richard Keogh poked fun at the 'Spygate' incident by pretending to have binoculars over their eyes while celebrating.
The Rams fans did the same, mimicking Oasis hit 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' with improvised lyrics saying: "All of the spies, are hidden away, just try not to worry, you'll beat us some day."
GB News has contacted both Middlesbrough and Southampton for comment.
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