Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) over his role in the Championship “Spygate” scandal that rocked the club last season.
The FA confirmed on Wednesday that Eckert has been charged with three alleged breaches of Rule E3.1 over incidents said to have taken place between December 2025 and May 2026.
According to the governing body, the charges relate to allegations that the Southampton coach acted improperly and brought the game into disrepute by directing and authorising the observation of opposition training sessions.
The latest development comes months after Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs after admitting to spying on three rival clubs during the season.
An independent disciplinary commission had ruled that the surveillance operation was authorised by Eckert, describing it as a “contrived and determined plan from the top down.”
The English Football League charged Southampton over the monitoring of training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, while the club was also accused of filming Middlesbrough as they prepared for the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
Although Southampton defeated Middlesbrough over two legs, the club’s expulsion from the play-offs saw Boro reinstated before eventually losing to Hull City in the final.
The FA subsequently launched its own investigation to establish individual responsibility for the spying operation, with Eckert now formally charged.
The Southampton coach has until next Tuesday to respond to the allegations.
Reacting to the charges, Southampton confirmed that both the club and Eckert would continue to cooperate with the disciplinary process.
“Tonda and the club will continue to co-operate fully and openly with the FA,” the club said in a statement.
Southampton added that its immediate priority remains preparations for the 2026/27 Championship campaign as it pursues a return to the Premier League.
The club also said it would refrain from making further comments while the disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing but promised to keep supporters informed when appropriate.
Despite the controversy, Southampton owner Dragan Solak has publicly backed Eckert, insisting the incident was a mistake and maintaining the club had already received adequate punishment.
Eckert previously accepted responsibility for authorising the actions that triggered the scandal, apologising for his role and admitting he was accountable for everything that happened while expressing optimism ahead of the new season.
