Southampton’s Eckert Gets Suspended Ban for Spying

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert received a six-week ban from all football, suspended until the end of next season, a £28,000 fine and a reprimand for authorising staff to film training sessions at Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. The FA found him guilty of misconduct after Southampton admitted spying on the clubs last season. Eckert can remain in his job unless he is involved in further spying during the suspension period. The EFL had already expelled Southampton from the Championship play-off final and deducted four points for the 2026–27 season; those sanctions were upheld on appeal. Eckert apologised and took responsibility, while the club’s leadership said Southampton would move forward with him in charge.