Southampton respond after boss Eckert is charged by FA over spying scandal | OneFootball

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has been charged by the FA over Southampton’s spying on opposition training sessions.

The Saints were kicked out of the Championship play-offs after admitting that they spied on three clubs during the season, including play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.

And head coach Eckert has now been “charged with three breaches of FA rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026”, the FA say.

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,” the statement added.

Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond.

Southampton’s response

“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.”