Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has been handed a suspended sentence and a fine over his role in the “Spygate” scandal, the Football Association have confirmed.
Eckert receives a six-week suspended ban, along with a fine of £28,000.
He attended a hearing on September 24, after being charged with bringing the game into disrepute in July, before a decision was announced today.
The scandal saw the club booted out of the Championship Play-Offs in May, having made it to the final following a dramatic 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
Southampton admitted to the English Football League (EFL) they had spied on other clubs’ training sessions.
The clubs included Middlesbrough – who were reinstated into the final at Southampton’s expense, though lost to Hull City – Oxford United and Ipswich Town.
As well as being kicked out of the Play-Offs, Southampton were docked four points at the start of the new Championship season, which commenced in August. They currently sit 13th with 10 points.
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has been handed a suspended sentence and a fine over his role in the ‘Spygate’ scandal, the Football Association have confirmed
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GETTYA statement from the FA read: “Southampton FC’s Tonda Eckert has been sanctioned by an independent Regulatory Commission for three breaches of FA Rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026.
“It was 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 Oxford United FC, Ipswich Town FC, and Middlesborough FC ahead of fixtures between these clubs and Southampton FC in December 2025, April 2026, and May 2026 respectively.
“Tonda Eckert subsequently admitted the charges, and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-week suspension from all football and football related activity, which is suspended until the end of the 2027/28 season, a £28,000 fine and a reprimand following a hearing.
“The suspended sanction will come into effect in the event he is found to have committed a breach of Rules or Regulations by requesting, authorising, taking, or using information from any observation of the training of another club, in whatever guise that observation may take.”
Southampton would be in the Play-Off places this year, had they not been docked four points
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GETTY
The scandal first erupted just days before Southampton’s Championship Play-Off semi-final against Middlesbrough in May, when a member of the Teesside club’s staff reportedly spotted a young man hiding behind a tree filming a private training session on his mobile phone.
When challenged, the individual allegedly fled through a neighbouring golf course before changing his clothing and escaping the area.
Southampton initially denied wrongdoing but later admitted spying on three clubs during the season.
Evidence presented to the disciplinary commission included WhatsApp messages that were said to show the operation had been authorised by Eckert, while junior analysts reportedly told investigators they felt under “extreme pressure” to carry out the surveillance and feared damaging their careers if they refused.
The decision ultimately cost the Saints a chance of promotion to the Premier League and the huge financial rewards that accompany it, with estimates suggesting the club missed out on between £110million and £200m in revenue.
The intern who was caught spying in Middlesbrough, Will Salt, has been handed a permanent role at the club.
During the summer, the German boss offered a public apology to supporters in a lengthy social media video. He explained there are “different rules in England and the EFL,” than he has experienced throughout Europe, who “always observe” other training sessions.
“I am a young coach, I have made a mistake and I take full responsibility. I’d like to thank the board for support in times like this, for everything that I have said, without script and without pretty fine statement, speaking to you from the heart,” he said.
Southampton players beat Middlesbrough in the Play-Off semi-final last year – only to be booted out of the tournament after admitting the offences
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PA“I hope you have an overview of what has happened and I hope over time you can understand and forgive. I hope to see you soon. I am responsible for everything that happened. I apologise to the players.”
Southampton owner Dragan Solak has backed Eckert following today’s announcement, saying he is “confident the manager has learned from this matter,” adding that a “suspended sentence allows him to continue in his role.”
“I firmly believe that Tonda is one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches, and with this distraction removed, I am confident he can lead the team to a successful season,” he confidently declared.
“I’d like to thank our fans for standing by us and showing the team so much support during a time when we have needed them more than ever.”
