FA charges Southampton manager Eckert over spying scandal

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has been formally charged with misconduct by the Football Association for his role in the spying scandal that rocked the Championship last season. The FA announced the charges on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, alleging the head coach directed or authorized the observation of rival teams' training sessions.

Eckert faces three breaches of FA Rule E3.1, which governs improper conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. The charges relate to spying on Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April 2026, and Middlesbrough in May 2026. He has until Tuesday, July 28, to respond.

The charges follow severe sporting sanctions already imposed on the club. In May, an independent commission expelled Southampton from the Championship playoff final after the club admitted to the espionage. Southampton had defeated Middlesbrough in the semifinals, but were removed from the competition, allowing Middlesbrough to advance to the final, where they lost to Hull City. The commission also handed Southampton a four-point deduction for the upcoming 2026-27 season, stating the spying was "a contrived and determined plan from the top down" authorized by Eckert.