Manager of Burnley’s Championship rivals formally charged over ‘spygate’

The manager of one of Burnley’s Championship rivals has been formally charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) for his role in the so-called ‘spygate’ scandal.

Tonda Eckert’s Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs back in May after admitting they had spied on three clubs during the campaign, including semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.

The Saints beat Boro 2-1 on aggregate over two legs, but were subsequently kicked out - promoting Middlesbrough into the Wembley final where they lost to Hull City.

Southampton were also handed a four-point deduction for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

An independent commission ruled at the time that the spying had been authorised by Eckert and was a “contrived and determined plan from the top down”.

Since then, the St Mary’s outfit has been the subject of an FA investigation, and Eckert has now been charged with misconduct.

“Southampton’s Tonda Eckert has been charged with three breaches of FA rule E3.1 in relation to misconduct between December 2025 and May 2026,” the FA said in a statement.

“It's alleged that 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 Oxford United FC, Ipswich Town FC and Middlesbrough FC ahead of fixtures between these clubs and Southampton FC in December 2025, April 2026 and May 2026 respectively.”

Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond.

In a statement of their own, Southampton reiterated their backing to Eckert despite the charges.

“Southampton Football Club and First Team Head Coach Tonda Eckert acknowledge today’s charges from The FA relating to a breach of Rule E3.1,” the Saints said.

“Tonda and the club will continue to cooperate fully and openly with The FA.

“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.

“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.”