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Southampton may be barred from taking part in the Championship playoff final despite defeating Middlesbrough in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening.

The Saints are aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated from the top division last season.

However, their promotion hopes could be derailed before the final even kicks off if an independent disciplinary panel finds them guilty of alleged spying activities.

Middlesbrough have reportedly continued training this week, despite losing the two-legged semi-final after Shea Charles’s extra-time cross fortuitously found its way into the net.

The Teesside club believe they could still replace their opponents in the final, as Southampton have been charged by the EFL with breaching two regulations related to fair conduct and monitoring opposition sessions. The case stems from claims by Middlesbrough staff that a Southampton analyst was seen possibly recording their training sessions from bushes near their Rockliffe Hall training ground in Darlington.

According to reports, Middlesbrough are pressing for a “sporting sanction” against Southampton, rather than a monetary fine — a penalty that could see the Saints removed from the playoff final altogether.

This approach differs from the case involving Leeds United seven years ago, when then-manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted to sending scouts to observe all rival teams and was handed a financial penalty instead.

Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg argued that a fine would be insufficient as a deterrent, saying most clubs would gladly pay such an amount to gain an edge.

He commented, “They see everything we do, and that’s okay? I just think it’s strange they’d do that and try to cheat in a game like this. I know Bielsa paid £200,000, but that wasn’t illegal then. I think many clubs would pay that sum to gain an advantage by watching your final two sessions before a match.”

The EFL is expected to complete the disciplinary hearing and any appeal process before the final scheduled for May 23, with an independent panel expected to deliver the ultimate verdict.

Southampton have confirmed awareness of the charges but declined to issue further comments until the decision is announced.

If they are not expelled from the final, a points deduction could be another potential sanction awaiting the club.