EFL confirms formal ‘spygate’ investigation

THE EFL has confirmed it will be undertaking a formal investigation into Leeds United amid the ‘Spygate’ saga.

It follows a complaint from Derby County after a man was “acting suspiciously” around the Moor Farm training ground last Thursday.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted to sending a spy to Moor Farm, ahead of the meeting between the two clubs on Friday night - a game Leeds won 2-0.

The EFL has now written to Leeds over the matter and confirmed the incident “appears to contravene the Club’s Charter”.

Here’s the EFL statement in full: “The EFL has written to Leeds United requesting their observations in regard to an incident that took place in the vicinity of Derby County’s training ground on Thursday 10 January, 2019.

“It follows a complaint from Derby County who allege that an individual, acting under the instruction of Leeds United, sought to observe a private training session the day before the two clubs were due to meet in the Sky Bet Championship.

“The EFL has now determined that it is appropriate to consider this matter in the context of a number of EFL Regulations whilst also noting that the alleged actions appear to contravene the Club’s Charter that all EFL clubs agreed to in summer 2018.

“The decision to progress this matter to a formal investigation comes as a result of the club’s manager, Marcelo Bielsa, admitting to instructing an individual to undertake the acts being complained of in a television interview broadcast on Sky Sports on Friday 11 January 2019.

“The Football Association has also confirmed they are considering the same matter in line with its own rules and the EFL will work with its FA counterparts to ensure that any potential action taken does not prejudice those investigations being undertaken.”