Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the FA for his role in the Spygate scandal. Southampton were kicked out of the Championship play-offs in May after admitting they spied on three clubs during the campaign. An independent disciplinary commission ruled the espionage was authorised by Eckert and was a "contrived and determined plan from the top down".

The FA said Eckert "has been charged with three breaches of FA rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026". Southampton beat Middlesbrough over two legs in the play-off semi-final but, after Saints' expulsion, Boro were reinstated to the final and went on to lose to Hull City. The EFL charged Southampton with watching training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, in addition to filming Middlesbrough.

Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond. In a statement, Southampton said they and Eckert "acknowledge today's charges from the FA relating to a breach of rule E3.1". The club added they will continue to co-operate fully. Owner Dragan Solak said he would not sack Eckert despite the "mistake". Eckert apologised for "bad judgement" and said the focus is on the 2026-27 season.