Southampton boss Eckert charged by FA over Spygate

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Southampton boss Eckert charged by FA over SpygateImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Eckert was appointed Southampton boss permanently in DecemberByDan Roan Sports editorPublished29 minutes agoSouthampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for his role in the Spygate scandal. Saints were kicked out of the Championship play-offs in May after admitting they spied on three clubs during the campaign. An independent disciplinary commission ruled at the time that the espionage was authorised by Eckert and was a "contrived and determined plan from the top down".

Since then the club has been the subject of an investigation by the FA, looking into who participated in the spying and assessing the culpability of those who knew it was happening. The FA said Eckert "has been charged with three breaches of FA rule E3. 1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026".

The Details

Southampton beat Middlesbrough over two legs in the play-off semi-final but, after Saints' expulsion, Boro were reinstated to the final and went on to lose to Hull City. The English Football League (EFL) charged Southampton with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of the semi-final. The FA said it is "alleged that the head coach acted in an improper manner and/or brought the game into disrepute by directing and/or authorising the observation of training sessions" of these games.

Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond. In a statement, Southampton said they and Eckert "acknowledge today's charges from the FA relating to a breach of rule E3. The club added: "Tonda and the club will continue to co-operate fully and openly with the FA.

"Our focus remains on preparations for the 2026-27 Championship season. The club remains fully supportive of Tonda and his staff as we work towards our ambition of returning to the Premier League. "We are unable to comment further while the process remains ongoing, but we will provide an update to supporters as soon as we are in a position to do so.

"In June, Southampton owner Dragan Solak told Sport he would not sack Eckert, despite the "mistake" of the head coach, and argued the club had already been punished enough. Eckert recently told Radio Solent: "It's tough to read some of the things that are out there, I've held my hand up for this judgement on something I have authorised. "I am responsible and I apologise for bad judgement; we've be in now for a week and there comes a point to look forward and from the first day back in, there's been lots of smiles and a good energy in the place again.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.