Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been formally charged with misconduct by the Football Association following his central role in the Spygate controversy.
The FA confirmed Eckert “has been charged with three breaches of FA rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026.”
An independent disciplinary commission previously ruled the espionage was authorised by Eckert and represented a “contrived and determined plan from the top down.”
The FA alleges “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 the clubs involved.
Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting they spied on three clubs throughout the campaign.
The English Football League confirmed Saints had watched training sessions involving Oxford United and Ipswich Town, as well as filming Middlesbrough ahead of their play-off semi-final.
Southampton beat Middlesbrough over two legs in that semi-final, but following their expulsion, Boro were reinstated to the final and subsequently lost to Hull City.
While the EFL can only take action against member clubs, the FA holds the authority to pursue and ban individuals directly connected to wrongdoing.
Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond to the charges brought against him by the governing body.
In a statement, Southampton said they and Eckert “acknowledge today’s charges from the FA relating to a breach of rule E3.1.”
The club added: “Tonda and the club will continue to co-operate fully and openly with the FA.”
Southampton also stated: “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.”
The club concluded: “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.”
Southampton owner Dragan Solak told BBC Sport in June that he would not sack Eckert, despite what he described as the “mistake” made by his head coach.
Eckert himself recently told BBC Radio Solent: “It’s tough to read some of the things that are out there, I’ve held my hand up for this judgement on something I have authorised.”
He added: “I am responsible and I apologise for bad judgement; we’ve been in now for a week and there comes a point to look forward and from the first day back in, there’s been lots of smiles and a good energy in the place again.”
The 32-year-old had previously worked in youth football with Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig before taking over Southampton’s under-21 side in July 2025.
Eckert replaced Will Still as first-team head coach in November, with Saints sitting in 21st place and struggling badly in the Championship at the time.
He went on to win three consecutive Championship manager of the month awards for February, March and April as Southampton surged into the play-offs.
Southampton accumulated 68 points under Eckert, more than any other club in that period, including champions Coventry City who managed 67.
The scandal first broke just 48 hours before the Middlesbrough play-off semi-final, when intern analyst William Salt was discovered observing a Middlesbrough training session.
Alongside their expulsion last season, Southampton will begin the new Championship campaign with a four-point deduction, with their opening fixture away at Watford on 16 August.
