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СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASAThe FA confirmed they have charged Tonda Eckert over the Spygate scandal involving Middlesbrough
The FA have confirmed that they have charged Southampton boss Tonda Eckert over alleged misconduct following the Spygate scandal.
Eckert admitted to the EFL that he authorised spying on the training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. The scandal came to light after Boro caught a junior Saints analyst at Rockliffe ahead of the play-off semi-final first leg.
With the EFL dealing with the initial charges brought against Southampton, the decision was made to expel Southampton from the play-offs. Boro instead took their place at Wembley, but were beaten by Hull City.
In the aftermath, the FA confirmed they were launching their own investigation into the matter, and it’s understood that the Saints boss was interviewed by the FA over the matter earlier this month as part of the investigation.
A statement from the FA on Wednesday morning confirmed the three charges against Eckert. It followed a statement being published in error by Southampton which appeared to leak the charges, which was promptly deleted, before being re-published after the FA’s statement dropped.
The FA statement"Southamton FC's Tonda Eckert has been charged with three breaches of the FA Rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026.
"It is 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 in December 2025, April 2026 and May 2026 respectively.
"Tonda Eckert has until Tuesday, July 28 to provide his responses."
Southampton’s statement“Southampton Football Club and First Team Head Coach Tonda Eckert acknowledge today’s charges from The FA relating to a breach of Rule E3.1. Tonda and the club will continue to cooperate fully and openly with The FA.
“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.
“We are unable to comment further while the process remains ongoing, but we will provide an update to supporters as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
What happens next?The German head coach has been given until next Tuesday (July 28) to respond to the charge. A lot will depend on whether or not he decides to contest the charge.
If he contests the charge, a disciplinary hearing will take place before, if necessary, a punishment is decided. If he accepts the charge, then an FA Regulatory Commission will decide the punishment.
What are the possible punishments?Effectively, the FA would have the power to punish Eckert however they see fit. Fines and or suspensions are the most likely punishments for charges against an individual.
Sources on the Southampton end have claimed they expect a fine, and are prepared to fight for Eckert in the event the FA deem a lengthy ban appropriate. It has been suggested, however, that the Saints boss could be facing a ban of up to 12 months.
What would a lengthy ban mean for Southampton?It would be incredibly disruptive for the preparations for the new season. The club’s owner Dragan Solak has previous said he has forgiven Eckert for his mistake and wants to move forward.
The club have therefore backed the German to lead the club into the new season, where their aim remains winning promotion to the Premier League. They will start the new season on -4 points, however, as part of their punishment from the EFL charges.
If Eckert were to be banned for a lengthy period of time, Southampton would presumably have to sack their head coach and find a new one. It would be far from ideal for the Saints, who are well into pre-season now, and with the start of the season only a week and a half from the day Eckert has been given to answer his charges.
What has Eckert said?Speaking to the Southampton Daily Echo at the start of pre-season, Eckert said: “I was in London two weeks ago with the FA, and I think it's been a very professional process by them.
"We had many emotions at once; tough to channel and not so easy to describe in the moment. No one was really expecting that verdict.
"After the game, I spoke to Middlesbrough players and staff, and even they didn't expect that verdict. Then it comes through, and it's tough, very tough.
"I think the only thing you can do in that very moment is just to be present, so we called the players in the next morning. The emotions came out.
"I haven't done any interviews or commented publicly on it since the end of the season, but it hurts to see things being put out there.
"It couldn't be further away from the person I am and the atmosphere in this football club. In football, there is always an expectation to win games.
"But I think you only do this when you have a positive culture in the place. I actually think that was one of the biggest factors for us to win games last year.
"To see a different public image being put out there, it really hurts to read. There will always be a challenge here, but I think it's a very positive workplace."
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg on EckertAsked about Spygate and Eckert during a sitdown interview with journalists at the club’s Portugal training base, Hellberg said: “I don’t give it one thought now. It’s done.
“They’re getting the decision from the board and now I’m just thinking about trying to do everything here and wishing them all the best.
“I have nothing against anyone there and wish the coach the best. Everyone can make mistakes and that’s what it is. I have a lot of problems and challenges here to work with so that’s what I’m focused on.”
Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
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