Southampton issue statement with boss Tonda Eckert charged by FA over spygate scandal

Southampton issue a statement with their boss Tonda Eckert being charged by FA over the spygate scandal with a breach of Rule E3.1.

Towards the end of the 2025/26 season, the 33 year old admitted to spying on their 2025/26 Championship opponents Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough.

The Saints were then removed from the Championship playoff final and handed a four point deduction for the 2026/27 season.

But now the Football Association have given an update, charging the head coach with misconduct and potentially bringing the game into disrepute in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026. He has a week to respond.

And while a punishment is yet to be decided, The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell says the worst-case scenario is that Tonda Eckert is given a ban, however, sources close to Southampton believe this is unlikely.

Alfie House, the Senior Southampton FC reporter for the Daily Echo, tweeted: “What does this mean? FA statement confirming charge is merely a formality and there’s no more detail on what the punishment will be yet.

“Probably does make a punishment of some sort likely, in most cases it’s a fine but can be a suspension – so we’re still waiting. Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond.

“Same as I’ve said all along but Saints have been punished in harshest possible way for this already.

“The fact the three charges relate only to the same games club were punished for is good imo, as no new findings. Most expect a fine, but you don’t know until concluded.”

BREAKING: The FA has charged Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert with misconduct and potentially bringing the game into disrepute.

He is charged with three breaches of FA Rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Sb4qpTeUbH

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 22, 2026

More chaos at Southampton! Spying Saints reveal Tonda Eckert and the club have been charged by the FA over Middlesbrough play-off scandal – before swiftly DELETING statement to leave nervous fans in the dark https://t.co/i6dJzrb7po

— Daily Mail Sport (@MailSport) July 22, 2026

The Football Association said: “Regulation and Discipline Update:

“Southampton FC’s Tonda Eckert has been charged with three breaches of FA Rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026.

“It’s alleged that the head coach acted in an improper manner and/or brought the game into disrepute by directing and/or authorising the observation of training sessions of Oxford United FC, Ipswich Town FC and Middlesbrough FC ahead of fixtures between these clubs and Southampton FC in December 2025, April 2026 and May 2026 respectively.

“Tonda Eckert has until Tuesday 28 July 2026 to provide his responses.”

Southampton said in a statement on their website: “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.”

Last week, Tonda Eckert gave spoke in an interview, giving an update on the FA investigation and speaks on receiving police protection due to threats aimed at him during the immediate fallout of spygate.

He spoke with Sky Sports News‘ Mark McAdam, reflecting on what has been a challenging summer for him and his side.

“It’s not easy in that very moment. It’s not easy to look into the eyes of the players who are just so disappointed and and so many emotions coming out and yeah, you get so many threats at one point. You have police protection at one point, can’t drive a car, and like it’s tough to deal with that for the very moment. And then when things calm down with time and I went back home and different challenges at home and yeah then you have a moment to reflect.

“I think that over the months there’s also been a lot of positives like a lot of positives that we can take into next season and then after a couple of weeks that excitement comes back in to go again and show what we about and that’s been the feeling since coming back into the training ground. We are on the second week of pre-season now. Players have come back in and in very good shape, with a smile on their face and ready to go again.”