When a team is accused of spying on another team in training to gain an advantage in an upcoming fixture. It riles up managers, first-team coaches, players, and adds tension to the next meeting between the two. Fans of the team accused of spying use it as an excuse to dress up as birdwatchers with binoculars, and the fans of the team spied on can get very angry. It adds an extra element of rivalry and tension.
The original Spygate involved Leeds United and Derby County in the 2018/2019 Championship season. Marcelo Bielsa admitted to sending a spy to watch Frank Lampard’s side in training in the run up to their match. It was an ethical problem, not technically breaking any rules, but Leeds were fined £200,000. Fast forward to the 2025/2026 season and we witnessed Spygate 2.0 when a member of Southampton’s coaching staff was caught watching and recording a Middlesbrough training session, which is now against the rules.
The aim of SCR is to provide a more competitive playing field for all Premier League clubs. In theory it should prevent clubs with the richest owners from hoarding too many players, without compromising clubs who want to invest in stadium and training infrastructure amongst other organisational improvements. There is also a multi-year rolling allowance of 30% above the 85% limit. Clubs must submit estimated revenues and costs to the Premier League at the start of the season, with compliance assessed in March based on those figures. Spending must be at a maximum of 85%, with a six-point deduction for clubs that go over that threshold and a further point deducted for £6.5 million spent over the 115%.
The Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations have been permanently implemented by the Premier League for the 2026-27 season, replacing the Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules that were previously in place. UEFA already has a SCR rule for European competition that stands at 70%, whereas the new Premier League rule is set at 85%.