Southampton manager Tonda Eckert charged by FA over Spygate

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert charged by FA over Spygate Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) over the Spygate scandal.  Eckert has been charged with three breaches of FA rules over authorising spying missions against Middlesbrough, Oxford United and Ipswich Town.  The FA released a statement that read: “It’s 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, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough ahead of fixtures between these clubs and Southampton FC in December 2025, April 2026 and May 2026 respectively.” Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-off final in May after being found guilty of spying by an independent disciplinary commission.  The punishment cost them a shot at Premier League promotion – a prize worth over £200million. The Hampshire club were also handed a four-point deduction for next season.  Eckert took responsibility for the decision to spy on rival Championship clubs and asked for forgiveness from Southampton supporters.  Despite the German manager’s role in Spygate, club owner Dragan Solak has insisted he will not sack him if the decision comes down to him .  Eckert was appointed as Southampton’s permanent manager in December after a brief spell as caretaker boss.  The team were battling relegation at the time of his appointment, but he led them to an impressive run of results and secured a play-off spot.  However, all the good work went in vain after they were kicked out of the play-off final over Spygate.