New Spygate revelation emerges after Birmingham City v Southampton match | OneFootball

Tensions have been reported between Saints officials and higher-ups at the EFL

It has emerged that members of the Southampton hierarchy have been left disappointed by the actions of EFL chairman, Rick Parry, who was in attendance for the club's recent clash with Birmingham City at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

That is according to a report from Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, with Saints' 1-1 draw against Chris Davies' outfit coming on September 1st.

The Hampshire side and their German head coach, Tonda Eckert, have indeed landed themselves in hot water with the aforementioned governing body over the now-infamous Spygate scandal which emerged in the final week of the 2025/26 Championship season.

Southampton were expelled from the play-off final despite initially defeating Middlesbrough in their two-legged semi-final affair back in May, after it emerged that Eckert had instructed analysts to oversee training sessions involving Kim Hellberg's side, as well as those of Ipswich Town and Oxford United.

Eckert has since been charged by the Football Association with misconduct against its rule E3.1, whilst Southampton began the current campaign with a four-point deficit, albeit this has swiftly been wiped out due to the club's form across their first seven league matches.

However, a new revelation into the saga has now emerged as Eckert's future still remains unknown ahead of the first international break of the season.

Fresh Southampton, Spygate revelation emerges involving EFL chief Rick Parry

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Unsurprisingly, Southampton players, supporters and Eckert have been swiftly reminded of the controversies throughout pre-season and the beginning of their Championship campaign by opposition supporters, either in the stands or in the social media sphere.

It remains to be seen what punishment does come the way of the 33-year-old German after his initial sanction, with it being suggested a final hearing may come during the international break.

However, Saints officials are said to have been rather displeased by the behaviour of EFL chairman, Parry, who was in attendance at St. Andrew's for the entertaining draw at the start of the month, in which August Priske cancelled out Kevan Schlotterbeck's opener.

It has been reported by the Daily Mail that, according to figures present in the Birmingham boardroom, Parry, 71, only engaged in conversation with any of those who made the trip from the South Coast during the evening, instead only engaging in conversation with those of a Blues persuasion.

Whilst figures at the EFL have claimed that Parry did not spot those representing Saints, such information has been backed up by Alfie House of the Daily Echo, who also wrote "Good report from Mike (Keegan), bad look for the EFL," within said update.

Social media reacts to Birmingham City v Southampton revelation

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The St. Andrew's boardroom has certainly been in the spotlight recently after Birmingham owner, Tom Wagner, made an emotional return for their 2-2 draw with Wolves five days after the clash with Southampton.

However, it's rather unsurprising that the world of social media has already been reacting to these new revelations.

"That's so pathetic. EFL making themselves look stupid, -4 and kicked out of play-offs. Literally looks personal now," wrote one Saints fan.

"We sing (a) certain chant for (a) reason," also summed up the general consensus.

Southampton need Tonda Eckert saga to be resolved ASAP

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Previous sanctions involving Canadian Olympics manager, Bev Priestman, have led to wide discussions as to what punishment Eckert may receive, ranging from a fine to a brief ban, or even being removed from his managerial post altogether.

Ahead of Saturday's 4-1 win over Bristol City at St Mary's, Eckert kept his feelings over what may happen close to his chest, which has also eased the likelihood of any distractions for his players, who have lost just once this season whilst also scoring 18 goals.

Even though the Saints boss practiced measures in pre-season with assistant, Ben Garner, in the potential eventuality of a touchline ban, this is a saga which needs resolving ASAP, with that there is still such uncertainty heading nearer to October.