Southampton’s Eckert Gets Suspended Ban for Spying

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert admitted asking in a Middlesbrough prep meeting whether Hayden Hackney had returned to training, then agreeing someone should observe after an assistant said the ground was reachable via a public golf course. An intern was sent and spotted. He also had Oxford United’s formation watched after Rowett’s dismissal and accepted Ipswich training footage. He admitted three FA Rule E3.1 breaches. The panel imposed a six-week ban from all football, suspended until the end of 2027/28, a £28,000 fine and a reprimand. He remains in charge for Portsmouth on Sunday 11 October. The EFL had expelled Southampton from the play-off final and deducted four points for 2026-27; Middlesbrough were reinstated and lost to Hull City. Southampton’s appeal was rejected. Owner Dragan Solak said the club had already suffered enough and the panel recognised that, that a suspended sentence lets Eckert continue, and that the FA process showed he is “simply a good person who made poor decisions.” He said the same cannot be said for the EFL process and its subsequent treatment “is not something we will forget.” The EFL declined to comment. Leaked praise included “You legend. Manager loved it!”