Why hello there! This is Beyond The Pitch, where we explore the scores and fixtures of the FIFA World Cup, Premier League, and the English Football League, from The Pitch to The Headlines

SOUTHAMPTON CHARGED WITH SPYING ALLEGATIONS

Southampton have been charged for breaching the EFL regulations after a member of staff allegedly spied on Middlesborough's training before their play-off match. Staff spotted a man taking photos and videos of training and approached him. He was asked to delete everything, say who he was and why he was there. 

A statement released on Friday evening read: "Southampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations. We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process."

The breaches relate to EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127. Regulation 3.4 says: "In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club shall behave towards each other and the league with the utmost good faith."

Opponents are not allowed to spy on training sessions less than 72 hours before kick-off. 

The spy walked to a golf club overlooking the training ground | Source: BBC Sport

FWA FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR 25/26 

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw have been voted the 2025/26 Football Writers' Association Footballers of the Year. Fernandes is the first player to win this award since Wayne Rooney in 2009/10. 

Fernandes is in good company, as he joins Cristiano Ronaldo, Teddy Sheringham, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona, George Best, Bobby Charlton and Johnny Carey. Bruno needs one more assist at the time of writing this article to match Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne's record for most assists in a Premier League season.

Fernandes has created 120 chances this season, which is his highest total. It is almost double the number of chances created by the footballer in second place.

Bruno Fernandes | Source: Sky Sports

AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI AND FEDERICO VALVERDE FINED

Real Madrid team-mates Tchouameni and Valverde have been fined €500,000 (£432,000) after a fight on the training ground took place. 

There was a physical confrontation between the two players, with Valverde ending up in hospital. Neither player has been handed a suspension, but Valverde will be out of action for between 10 days and two weeks.

A club statement read: "Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the events that led to the disciplinary proceedings initiated yesterday against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, both appeared today before the investigator assigned to the case."

Real Madrid face Barcelona on Sunday with anything but victory giving Barcelona the title.

Aurelien Tchouameni on the left and Federico Valverde on the right | Source: Sky Sports

Do you think Valverde and Tchouameni received a light punishment or not? Let me know in the comments.