Southampton boss Tonda Eckert faces FA probe over ‘spygate’ and possible suspension | OneFootball

The FA has opened an investigation into Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert over the spygate affair, and he could be suspended from coaching.

According to The Athletic, Eckert faces three charges of bringing the game into disrepute under rule E3.1, which requires participants to act in the best interests of the game, he has seven days to respond and the club believe a suspension is unlikely.

Southampton were thrown out of last season’s Championship play-off final after their semi-final against Middlesbrough, a 0-0 first leg followed by a 2-1 extra-time defeat. Middlesbrough were reinstated to play the final and the Saints were docked four points for the coming season.

A Saints performance analyst, Will Salt, was seen behind a tree filming Middlesbrough’s training before the first leg.

Eckert is implicated in three matters because spying by Southampton had also taken place at Oxford and Ipswich Town during the campaign. The German, who replaced Will Still, has remained in post. The club will continue to co-operate fully with the FA and remain entirely supportive of Tonda and his staff.

There is precedent. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Canada coach Bev Priestman and two assistants were accused of using a drone to film New Zealand’s training. Canada were deducted six points and Priestman and her assistants were later suspended for one year.

Source: L'Équipe