Sporting integrity in the EFL Championship play-offs

That this House notes with serious concern the allegations that a member of Southampton Football Club staff observed and recorded a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the Championship play-off semi-final; further notes that Southampton Football Club has been charged by the English Football League with alleged breaches of its regulations and that an independent disciplinary commission is due to consider the matter; believes that any proven attempt to gain an unfair sporting advantage in a fixture of such importance would strike at the heart of sporting integrity, fair competition and public confidence in the EFL; recognises the strength of feeling among Middlesbrough supporters and the wider football community; further believes that a financial penalty alone would be insufficient if the allegations are upheld; and calls on the English Football League, should the charge be proven, to impose a sporting sanction including the removal of Southampton Football Club from the Championship play-off final.