Southampton coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct in the spying scandal
July 23 – Southampton coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) over his role in the spying scandal that led to the club’s exit from the Championship play-offs last season.
The FA has confirmed that Eckert faces an alleged breach of Rule E3.1 relating to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026 following an investigation into a supervisory role that rocked the English second tier. He could face a one-year ban.
The charges stem from Southampton’s admission to private training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town and play-off champions Middlesbrough during the 2025/26 campaign.
The Independent Disciplinary Commission previously concluded that the spying was authorized by Eckert as part of a “planned and determined strategy from the top down”, which saw the English Football League (EFL) expel Southampton from the play-offs after beating Middlesbrough over two legs in the semi-finals. Middlesbrough were then sent back to the final, where they lost to Hull City.
While the EFL’s powers only extend to member clubs, the FA has jurisdiction over individuals and can impose suspensions and financial penalties.
In a statement, the governing body said Eckert is accused of “behaving in an improper manner and/or bringing the game into disrepute by directing and/or authorizing surveillance of training sessions.”
Eckert has until next Tuesday to answer to the charges.
Southampton admitted the charges, and confirmed that the club and the head coach will continue to cooperate with the investigation.
“We are very focused on preparations for the 2026/27 Championship season,” the statement read.
“The club still fully supports Tonda and his staff as we work to achieve our desire to return to the Premier League.
“We cannot comment further while the show is in progress, but we will provide an update to fans as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
With Eckert facing a lengthy ban, the FA’s action raises fresh uncertainty over Eckert’s future just weeks before the start of the new campaign – although Southampton owner Dragan Solak has said he will back the coach despite describing the scouting operation as “a mistake.”
“I can support him even if he is banned, but I will not be able to make him take control if he is banned,” Solak told BBC Sport when asked about the FA’s suspension.
Eckert also publicly accepted responsibility for approving the surveillance program.
“I’m guilty and sorry for the bad decision,” he told BBC Radio Solent after returning from pre-season.
“It’s hard to read some of the things that are there… there comes a point where we have to look forward and from day one going back, there were a lot of smiles and good energy in the place again.”
Southampton have already started the new Premier League season with a four-point ban imposed as part of an EFL penalty. They will travel to Watford on August 16 knowing that the outcome of the FA disciplinary action could leave them without their manager for part of the campaign which has started under a cloud.
Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]
