Tonda Eckert cleared to stay on: FA suspends Spygate ban

Tonda Eckert, the Southampton manager, can continue in his role after the FA suspended his punishment for his part in ‘Spygate’. An FA independent regulatory commission imposed a six-week ban from all football activity, but suspended it until the end of next season.

The decision also brings a £28,000 fine and a reprimand. The panel gave weight to Eckert’s “considerable mitigation”, highlighting what it called “genuine contrition”. Southampton said it hopes the case brings closure to “a regrettable period” and that steps have been put in place to prevent “errors in judgement” recurring.

Owner Dragan Solak thanked the panel’s recognition, but criticised the English Football League (EFL), saying the way they have treated the club is not something it will forget. Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting they spied on training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough, and they were also handed a four-point deduction this season.

The commission found Eckert in breach of FA Rule E3.1 on three counts. If he is found involved in further spying between now and the end of next season, the suspended ban will be triggered.