Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has received a fine of 28,000 British pounds ($37,000) and a reprimand from the English Football Association (FA) but has avoided a ban following his involvement in the 'spygate' scandal. The FA announced on Wednesday that Eckert would be allowed to continue in his role at the club despite the misconduct charges against him.
The club faced penalties last season, including being removed from the Championship playoff final and a four-point deduction in the current season, after admitting to breaching English Football League (EFL) regulations by spying on semifinal opponents Middlesbrough and two other teams. An EFL independent disciplinary commission found that Eckert had 'specifically authorised' the spying, raising concerns about his future with the club.
Eckert accepted full responsibility and attended an FA hearing during the current international break. The FA stated that Eckert's six-week suspension from all football-related activities would be suspended until the end of the 2027-28 season, contingent on no further breaches of rules or regulations.
Southampton expressed relief at the outcome, stating that this decision concludes a 'regrettable period' in the club's history and that measures have been implemented to prevent similar errors in judgment. Club owner Dragan Solak commented on the decision, expressing satisfaction with the independent panel's ruling and confidence that Eckert has learned from the incident. Eckert, who was appointed permanent manager in December 2025, has led the team to fourth place in the Championship table after a challenging start to the season.