Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert says he welcomes the "clarity" provided by his suspended FA ban, admitting the Spygate saga has "changed my life" after more than four months of uncertainty.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Eckert has been handed a six-week ban, suspended until the end of the 2027/28 season, and fined £28,000 after admitting three FA charges relating to misconduct during Southampton's spying scandal. He will continue in his role and is now focused on Sunday's Championship clash with local rivals Portsmouth.
The German says the conclusion of the FA process has brought relief and praised the Southampton board for standing by him. "It's tough. It changes your life," Eckert said. "It's been more than four months now, it's been quite a long time." He added: "I'm very happy we go into Sunday and one of the biggest games we will have all season and we have clarity - and that's not just for me, that's for everyone at this football club."
Southampton were expelled from last season's Championship play-off final and handed a four-point deduction this season after admitting multiple breaches relating to the unauthorised filming of opponents' training. The EFL process could only sanction the club, with the FA subsequently charging Eckert with three breaches of Rule E3.1. Eckert accepted responsibility, saying: "I've made a mistake and I've said that relatively quickly, then I think you have to accept whatever the consequence is."
The 39-year-old also praised Saints owner Dragan Solak and the board for their backing throughout the saga. "That in times that are a lot tougher, especially with a lot of outside pressure, that we've come to a decision the way that we've done. It will be something to forever be grateful for," Eckert said. He believes the matter's conclusion will now allow Southampton to focus fully on their promotion challenge.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing