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JUST IN: Southampton coach charged over Spygate scandal

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert faces misconduct charges from the FA over the club's "Spygate" scandal.
  • Eckert allegedly directed and/or authorized the observation of opposition training sessions.
  • Southampton was previously expelled from the Championship playoffs after admitting to spying on three clubs.

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) for his alleged role in the club's "Spygate" scandal. The FA confirmed that Eckert faces three breaches of Rule E3.1, related to alleged misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026.

The Southampton coach acted improperly and brought the game into disrepute by directing and/or authorising the observation of opposition training sessions.

— Football Association (FA)Detailing the charges against Tonda Eckert.

The governing body stated that the coach is accused of acting improperly and bringing the game into disrepute by directing and/or authorizing the observation of opposition training sessions. Southampton had previously been expelled from the Championship playoffs in May after admitting to spying on three clubs during the season. An independent disciplinary commission had ruled that Eckert authorized the surveillance activities, describing it as a "contrived and determined plan from the top down."

A contrived and determined plan from the top down.

— Independent disciplinary commissionDescribing the authorized surveillance activities.

The English Football League had charged Southampton with watching training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, and filming Middlesbrough before their playoff semi-final. Although Southampton defeated Middlesbrough, the club's expulsion led to Middlesbrough being reinstated and advancing to the final. The FA then launched its own investigation into the incident.

Tonda and the club will continue to co-operate fully and openly with the FA.

— SouthamptonClub statement on cooperating with the FA investigation.

Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond to the charges. Southampton and Eckert acknowledged the FA's charges and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. The club stated its focus remains on preparing for the 2026/27 Championship season and expressed continued support for Eckert. Owner Dragan Solak had previously backed Eckert, calling the incident a mistake and arguing the club had been sufficiently punished. Eckert himself admitted responsibility for authorizing the actions and apologized.

The incident was a mistake, and the club had already been sufficiently punished.

— Dragan SolakSouthampton owner's previous backing of Eckert.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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