On England’s south coast, Southampton can continue the season with Tonda Eckert on the training ground after the club’s promotion-play-off spying case brought a suspended personal sanction for their German coach.
A punishment held over Eckert
The Football Association has handed Eckert a six-week ban from football activity, but it will not take immediate effect. He will remain free to coach Southampton unless he commits a further offence before the end of next season.
- Eckert has received a six-week suspension, suspended until the conclusion of next season.
- He has also been fined €33,000.
- The coach said he did not know that the scouting practice involved was prohibited.
- The FA nevertheless imposed the sanction following its investigation.
Play-off removal followed Middlesbrough incident
The disciplinary case began during last season’s race for promotion to the Premier League. A member of Eckert’s staff was discovered at Middlesbrough’s training complex ahead of the teams’ play-off semi-final.
Southampton were subsequently removed from the promotion play-off final. During the investigation, the club also acknowledged that other opponents had been watched in the same manner during the campaign.
Consequences for the Saints
The club’s exclusion from the final was accompanied by a sporting penalty for the current season. Southampton were docked four points, adding a lasting domestic cost to an episode that had already ended their route to promotion.
- Southampton were expelled from the promotion play-off final.
- The club admitted spying on more than one team over the season.
- A four-point deduction was applied for the current campaign.
- Eckert may continue working unless the suspended ban is activated by another offence before next season ends.
