Tonda Eckert, Southampton’s head coach, has been charged by the FA with misconduct and potentially bringing the game into disrepute over the ‘Spygate’ scandal. The charges cover December 2025 to May 2026, alleging he directed or observed training sessions of Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough.

Earlier this year, the EFL expelled Southampton from the Championship play‑offs and imposed a four‑point deduction for 2026/27 after the club admitted multiple breaches, including unauthorised filming before the semi‑final against Middlesbrough. The club’s appeal was dismissed by a League Arbitration Panel.

The FA waited for the EFL process to run its course before launching its own investigation. Eckert faces three breaches of rule E3.1, which demands that participants act in the best interests of the game and avoid conduct that brings the game into disrepute.

Southampton remains fully supportive of Eckert, pledging full cooperation with the FA. In June, Eckert accepted full responsibility, apologising to players, staff and supporters, while chairman Dragan Solak confirmed the club was “fully behind him” as they target promotion to the Premier League.