Southampton have asked for additional time to complete an internal review after being charged with spying on Championship play-off rivals Middlesbrough. The English Football League (EFL) accused the Saints of "observing, or attempting to observe, another club's training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match" and failing to act "with the utmost good faith."

Middlesbrough claim that a member of Southampton's coaching staff was caught watching and recording a training session at their Rockliffe Park base on Thursday—just two days before the teams played to a 0-0 draw at Riverside Stadium in the first leg of their play-off semi-final.

Normally, clubs have 14 days to respond to such charges, but the EFL has asked an independent disciplinary commission for "a hearing at the earliest opportunity." The two sides are set to meet again at St Mary's in the second leg on Tuesday evening, with the winner advancing to face Hull City in the final at Wembley on May 23.

"The club is fully co-operating with the EFL and the disciplinary commission, whilst also undertaking an internal review to ensure that all facts and context are properly understood," said Southampton CEO Phil Parsons. "Given the intensity of the fixture schedule and the short turnaround between matches, we have requested time to complete that process thoroughly and responsibly. We understand the discussion and speculation that has followed over recent days, but we also believe it is important that the full context is established before conclusions are drawn."

This isn't the first time a team has faced spying allegations in football, adding another layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes play-off battle. For fans gearing up for the second leg, it's a reminder that every detail—on and off the pitch—can make a difference in the race for promotion.