Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been handed a six-week suspended ban by the Football Association over his involvement in last season's infamous spygate scandal. The Saints were kicked out of the Championship play-off final due to spying on Middlesbrough before their semi-final meeting.
The South Coast club admitted in a hearing at the time that they had also conducted similar operations against Oxford United and Ipswich Town during the regular season. Southampton were also handed a four-point deduction by the EFL, which was implemented at the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
It was confirmed by the Saints that Eckert will remain as Saints head coach in the wake of the scandal that rocked English football. Now a decision has been reached by the FA on Eckert which allows him to continue his role as the ban is suspended until next season, with a £28,000 fine also handed out to the 33-year-old.
The triggering of that six-week ban would only come into effect if Eckert was found to be involved in any other spying between now and the end of the 2027/28 campaign. He apologised for his actions at the time, stating he was unaware that doing as such was prohibited.
The FA seemingly disagreed and took action while an English Football League (EFL) independent disciplinary commission determined that Eckert was involved, with the whole process a "contrived and determined plan from the top down".
Saints argued they had been punished enough having been removed from competing for a spot in the Premier League at Wembley with Eckert sanctioned for three breaches of FA Rule E3.1. He told BBC Sport last month: "It's been a big, big punishment.
"Absolutely unheard of in the history of sports. I've asked for forgiveness for what I've done. I've apologised publicly." Southampon have had a mixed start to the season, taking into account their points deduction, and currently sit thirteenth having won half of their eight games.
Local rivals Portsmouth are their next opponents with the Championship returning this weekend after an extended international break. Thankfully for Eckert, the clash is at St Mary's Stadium as opposed to Fratton Park with the reception expected to therefore be far less hostile.