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Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been hit with a misconduct charge by the Football Association in connection with the 'Spygate' scandal that shook the Championship playoffs last season.
Southampton were thrown out of the playoffs back in May despite defeating Middlesbrough across two legs, after a staff member was caught covertly observing an opponent's training sessions.
The Saints were also handed a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season, with Middlesbrough subsequently reinstated for the play-off final, which Hull City claimed 1-0 at Wembley.
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Eckert's role came under intense scrutiny in the wake of the scandal, with a formal investigation launched into the 33-year-old shortly afterward.
It has now been confirmed that Eckert faces three counts of bringing the game into disrepute, following the authorization of spying against Middlesbrough, Ipswich Town and Oxford United, leaving his future hanging in the balance, as per The Mirror.
An FA statement confirming the charges on Wednesday read: "It's 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 FC, Ipswich Town FC and Middlesbrough FC ahead of fixtures between these clubs and Southampton FC in December 2025, April 2026 and May 2026 respectively."
The severity of Eckert's punishment has yet to be determined, with earlier reports suggesting the German coach could face an FA ban. The governing body holds the authority to sanction individuals, while the EFL is limited to imposing penalties on clubs.
Southampton confirmed that both the club and Eckert have acknowledged the charges in an official statement, noting: "Tonda and the club will continue to co-operate fully and openly with the FA.
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"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."
