Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has remained tight-lipped following the EFL's decision to charge the club over allegations of spying on Championship play-off opponents Middlesbrough.

The first leg of the semi-final ended in a tense 0-0 draw at the Riverside Stadium, but the on-field action was overshadowed by off-field controversy. The EFL confirmed charges against Southampton after Middlesbrough filed a complaint regarding "alleged unauthorised filming on private property" ahead of the match.

When pressed on the matter after the game, Eckert deflected attention back to the pitch. "The club made a statement yesterday evening, and I think that's all there is to say at the moment," he said. "We shouldn't get distracted from the importance of these two big games. These big games always belong to the players, and the focus belongs to them."

Southampton's official response acknowledged the charges and confirmed full cooperation with the EFL investigation. "Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time," the statement read.

With the play-off tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg at St Mary's, Eckert is keen to keep his squad focused on the task at hand. "I know the questions keep coming up, but at this point of the season, these games belong to the players," he reiterated.

For now, the football world waits to see how the spying saga unfolds—but the Saints boss is determined to let his team's performance do the talking.