Tonda Eckert charged with misconduct by the FA for Southampton spygate scandal in EFL Championship play-offs
Published 22/07/2026 at 12:41 GMT+1
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Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the FA. He was head coach of Southampton when the infamous spying incidents took place last term, with the club subsequently thrown out of the EFL Championship play-offs, and docked points ahead of next season.
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Southampton were kicked out of the play-offs back in May, after admitting to three separate incidents of spying on the training sessions of their rivals.Â
And now Eckert has been formally charged with three breaches of FA Rule E3.1 ”in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026.”
The statement from the FA 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.Â
”Tonda Eckert has until Tuesday 28 July 2026 to provide his responses.”
Southampton sent a member of staff to observe the training sessions of Oxford United in December, Ipswich Town in April, and Middlesbrough during the play-offs, with all three incidents occurring after the appointment of head coach Eckert in December.Â
The club were subsequently expelled from the play-offs, fined and docked four points ahead of next season.
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Southampton FC Head Coach Tonda Eckert
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They did initially appeal the decision, but were unsuccessful.
Southampton had beaten Middlesbrough over the two legs, but once the appeal was thrown out, Middlesbrough faced Hull City for promotion to the Premier League, with the latter winning the final.Â
Southampton said at the time that their focus was on rebuilding "trust" with their supporters: "Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately.
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"The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly."
While the EFL had the power to punish the club, the FA had the jurisdiction over any punishments handed down to individuals involved in the case.
And as such, they have decided to charge Eckert, who remains in charge of The Saints.
”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,” a statement from the club said.
”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.”
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