Southampton owner backs Tonda Eckert and says he won’t be sacked over Spygate

Football
2 Jun 2026 • 5:12 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Southampton owner backs Tonda Eckert and says he won’t be sacked over Spygate

  • Southampton Football Club was removed from the Championship play-off final and received a four-point deduction for next season after being found guilty of spying on opponents' training sessions.
  • The League Arbitration Panel's report indicated that head coach Tonda Eckert orchestrated a “contrived and determined plan” to gain a competitive advantage.
  • Southampton owner Dragan Solak has publicly backed Eckert, stating he deserves a second chance, but warned him against any future breaches of EFL rules.
  • Eckert issued an apology to the club's fans, players, and staff via a video, accepting responsibility for the “Spygate” scandal.
  • The Football Association is currently investigating the matter, which could result in a ban for Eckert, while some players are reportedly considering legal action over lost promotion bonuses.

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