Southampton are facing more trouble as Tonda Eckert’s role in the Middlesbrough ‘Spygate’ controversy goes under the microscope
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert could face punishement(Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert may be subject to disciplinary measures over his alleged involvement in the Middlesbrough spying controversy. The Saints boss and several individuals connected to the south coast club could potentially face disciplinary action linked to the dispute that has cast a shadow over the Championship playoffs.
Boro were beaten after extra-time, allowing Eckert’s team to secure a spot in the playoff final against Hull City – with both sides aiming for promotion back to the Premier League. Yet accusations of spying have shaken the English Football League (EFL), with the Football Association (FA) charging Southampton over an alleged breach of rule 127, which states it is prohibited to observe another club’s training session within 72 hours of a game.
As reported by The Times, both the FA and EFL intend to determine whether Eckert, technical director Johannes Spors, or any other personnel played a role and should face sanctions after William Salt was photographed at Boro’s training facility. Middlesbrough have demanded Southampton be removed from the playoffs, while senior officials are said to believe the most probable punishment would be a points deduction during next season.
Previous sporting incidents involving spying have resulted in suspensions for those involved. Bev Priestman, coach of Canada Women, received a one-year FIFA ban following the spying controversy at the Paris Olympics, alongside two additional officials.
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READ MORE: What six pundits say about Spygate and Southampton’s potential punishmentREAD MORE: Middlesbrough intervene in Spygate row with response to EFL decision
One club executive told the outlet: “It might even be better for Southampton to acknowledge multiple offences because if it was just against Middlesbrough then getting thrown out of the play-off final is more likely, as there is only one club to compensate.
“If there are more clubs that have been wronged then Southampton being excluded from the play-off final is no benefit to them – so in that case a points deduction for next season would be more likely and would allow Southampton a chance of getting back into the Premier League.”
Doubt continues to surround the playoff final scheduled for May 24, with the EFL warning the match could potentially be switched to a different date and venue. Wrexham, who ended the season outside the playoff places, are reportedly monitoring the developments but have chosen to leave the decision in the hands of the EFL.
Middlesbrough intensified the controversy on Friday by issuing a statement demanding Southampton’s removal from the competition. They wrote: ” Middlesbrough FC notes the decision of the Disciplinary Commission not to permit the club to intervene in the proceedings brought by the EFL against Southampton FC.
Southampton fans mocked the ‘spygate’ controversy, but could be thrown out of the play-offs because of it(Image: Robin Jones, Getty Images)
“The club regrets that outcome, given we are directly affected by the matters under consideration and hold relevant factual evidence as to the events in question and their competitive impact.
“The conduct at issue, namely the observation and recording of our training session ahead of a fixture of such significance, goes to the heart of sporting integrity and fair competition. In these circumstances, the only appropriate response is a sporting sanction which would prevent Southampton FC from participating in the EFL Championship play-off final.
“We remain hopeful that the EFL, as regulator, will pursue such a sanction before the Disciplinary Commission in order to protect the integrity of the game, safeguard all member clubs, and deter any attempt in the future to obtain an unfair and unlawful advantage in pursuit of promotion to the Premier League. The club reserves all its legal rights.”
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