
Spygate fallout deepens as Southampton coach hit with FA misconduct charge
The FA has charged Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert with three breaches of rule E3.1 for actions connected to the Spygate spying scandal, alleging improper conduct or bringing the game into disrepute by directing/authorising observations of training sessions. The charges follow an independent ruling that espionage was a top-down plan; Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs, with Middlesbrough subsequently reinstated to the final and Hull City winning the title. Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond, and Southampton says it will cooperate as it focuses on the 2026-27 season.













