Championship Play-off Final Faces Potential Delay Over Spygate Allegations

There is currently no framework in place regarding a suitable sanction should the club be found guilty. Possible options include a fine, a points deduction or removing the club from the play-offs. Before the latest statement, the opposing club's sporting director expressed sympathy for fans over the uncertainty but said his side are continuing preparations as normal.

>"We are 100% focused on the final at Wembley and preparing to face Southampton until we are told otherwise. We don't want any distractions. " — Jared Dublin, sporting director (BBC News, 14 May 2026) The incident is alleged to have taken place two days before the semi-final first leg.

The training ground is located on the grounds of a luxury hotel, spa and golf resort. It is alleged that on the Thursday morning a member of the club's staff parked at the golf club and walked to a small hill overlooking the pitches. He is then alleged to have been pointing his mobile phone at the training session while wearing in-ear headphones.

They believe he may have been live-streaming the session via a video call. After being approached by a member of the opposing staff, he is said to have refused to identify himself and deleted some content off his phone before running into the golf club toilets, where he changed his clothes and left the site.

Fans of both clubs face uncertainty over travel and accommodation arrangements as the row remains some way from resolution. The opposing sporting director said his club remains fully focused despite the distraction. Officials have confirmed the other two play-off finals will take place as planned on the Sunday and Monday.

This leaves limited flexibility for any rearranged Championship fixture before the end of the club season.

Background to the Allegations The allegations centre on events at the training ground in Hurworth-on-Tees. A staff member, named in reports as an analyst intern, is at the centre of the investigation. Photographs appear to show the individual observing the session from a distance. The club has not commented in detail on the charges while the disciplinary process is ongoing.