Southampton Head Coach, Tonda Eckert has been charged by The FA with three breaches in relation to the spying scandal.
The latest charges from the FA comes after a lengthy investigation in the wake of the EFL investigation in May which saw them found guilty of breaching EFL Regulations 3.4 and 127 after analyst, William Salt was caught spying on Middlesbrough’s training session on 7 May – less than 72 hours before the pair played out a goalless semi-final first leg.
Further charges were brought under both regulations after it emerged that Oxford United and Ipswich had too been spied on during the season, although the Saints lost 2-1 at Oxford United in December 2025 then drew 2-2 at home to Ipswich in April following the respective incidents.
Southampton consequently were expelled from last season’s Championship Play-Off Final which Middlesbrough went on to lose to Hull by a 1-0 result.
The FA charges relate to Rule E3.1 in which Eckert is ‘alleged’ to had ‘acted in an improper manner and/or brought the game into disrepute’ in relation to spying on Oxford Utd, Ipswich and Middlesbrough.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) July 22, 2026
Southampton in response has released a statement confirming that both club and Head Coach are cooperating with FA officials.
“Southampton Football Club and First Team Head Coach Tonda Eckert acknowledge today’s charges from The FA relating to a breach of Rule E3.1.
“Tonda and the club will continue to cooperate fully and openly with The FA.
“Our focus remains on preparations for the 2026/27 Championship season. The club remains fully supportive of Tonda and his staff as we work towards our ambition of returning to the Premier League.
“We are unable to comment further while the process remains ongoing, but we will provide an update to supporters as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
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