Southampton: Tonda Eckert tipped to be in "real trouble" as Spygate decision timeline emerges | OneFootball

Could Eckert be out of a job by the end of the Spygate saga?

May 20 could be the most important date of the 2025-26 Championship season, with both Middlesbrough and Southampton set to learn their fate over 'Spygate'.

The play-off semi-final between the two club had extra spice added to it in the days leading up to the first leg at the Riverside Stadium, when it was claimed a Saints employee was caught spying on a Boro training session within 72 hours of kick-off - something which has been against EFL rules since Leeds were punished for watching Derby County.

Amid a backdrop of extraordinary claims, Southampton won the contest over two legs thanks to an extra time success at St Mary's Stadium - yet they are not guaranteed to be playing Hull City at Wembley on Saturday for a spot in the Premier League.

An independent commission have gathered on Tuesday to virtually hear evidence surrounding the case, including Boro's evidence without legal representation, and if Southampton are found guilty of their charge, one which they have never expressed denial over, then they are likely going to face a sporting sanction.

Could Tonda Eckert be sacked by Southampton if they're found guilty in Spygate?

Middlesbrough want that to be in the form of Tonda Eckert's side being kicked out of the play-offs and the Teesside club taking their place in the final at Wembley, although that eventuality would almost certainly see the match delayed beyond this Saturday's planned date.

If Southampton are found guilty, it is then a case of what part head coach Eckert and his staff played in the role of the spying, and that could lead to serious repercussions from the FA.

And should the German coach be found to have committed a misdemeanour, former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness believes there will be no other option than to face a footballing fan - and consequently lose his job at St Mary's as a result.

“If it did go up to the manager, then I’m afraid his career is going to be in real trouble,” Wyness told Football Insider.

“He would be expected to be either sacked or told to be banned for a period of time, so the facts will dictate.

“But overall, what must come out of this is a clearer sanctioning situation that stops clubs from even thinking about this in the future, knowing that they are in jeopardy of being thrown out of competitions or leagues, rather than just giving a hearing a range of options.

“They’ve got to make it specific and clear, and that’s what’s got to come out to stamp this out once and for all.”

Spygate saga cannot come to an end any sooner - all three clubs need clarity ASAP

It beggars belief that the most expensive single game in English football is meant to take place on Saturday, yet for all three clubs involved, they are none the wiser as to what two clubs will actually be at Wembley.

Hull City's spot has been secure since last week, and that won't change, but the Tigers could do with knowing who they're actually playing and when, given the EFL last week could not confirm that the date of the final would 100 per cent remain on May 23.

Southampton being kicked out of the play-offs would not only be a huge punishment, but it would also set an incredible precedent and it would likely stamp out the act of spying, but others would argue it is too harsh.

With Eckert refusing to talk about the situation though and walking out of press conferences in response to questions over Spygate, it does not look good for the German if the Saints are found guilty, and depending on the evidence against him and the club - Wednesday could prove to be a monumental day for recent English football.