FA charges Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert for role in Spygate scandal

The Football Association has charged Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert with three counts of misconduct stemming from the Spygate scandal that derailed the club's promotion bid last season. The charges relate to Eckert's involvement in a scheme that saw Saints staff spy on multiple Championship opponents during the 2025-26 campaign. An independent disciplinary commission previously ruled that Eckert authorised the operation, describing it as a "contrived and determined plan from the top down." Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting to observing training sessions of Oxford United and Ipswich Town, as well as filming Middlesbrough ahead of their semi-final first leg. The Saints had beaten Middlesbrough over two legs in the semi-final, but Boro were reinstated to the final after Southampton's expulsion, eventually losing to Hull City. 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 governing body alleges 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 those opponents. Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond to the charges. In a statement, Southampton acknowledged the charges and said both the club and Eckert "will continue to co-operate fully and openly with the FA." The club added: "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." Southampton owner Dragan Solak told sources in June he would not sack Eckert over the "mistake," arguing the club had already been punished enough. Eckert recently told broadcaster 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."