The EFL has rules on spying, you cannot do it against teams you are preparing to play and 72 hours is that window time. The law changed after 2019, when Leeds United spied on Derby County and it's part of the game to avoid anything like it which is considered outside of good faith. It preserves the competitive integrity, and it's a weak point about sending scouts to watch games because that's completely different. Trying to watch a team train, unearth what they are working on and trying to find out about injuries etc, it would be quite the unfair advantage. Having such strict rules creates a level playing field, and the stricter decisions are the less likely they will be to reoccur. It acts as a deterrent, a clear signal that it won't be accepted and if anything the Premier League should be more inclined to deal with breaches more promptly. It's unfortunate for the Southampton fans that their club's actions came to light, but I am certain the Football League would have acted swiftly. Commercial value in football is very important, and that comes in toe with the public interest and any unfair advantage or believe matches are rigged should be treated equally. The rules being put in place closes a legal loophole, and I am sure some might be more insensed if it had happened to Notts. Also, Southampton admitted to spying on Oxford United, Ipswich Town and they probably did it against many other clubs too.
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Chris · 5 hours ago 5 hr