Southampton owner backs Tonda Eckert and says he won’t be sacked over Spygate
Southampton kicked out of Championship play-off final over spying scandal with Middlesbrough reinstated
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.