NEWS
Spying Scandal: Ex-Salzburg Coach Gets Off Lightly
After the club received a harsher penalty, the verdict for the head coach has now also been delivered.
The "Spygate" surrounding Southampton FC was one of the talking points on the island last season.
In May 2026, shortly before the promotion playoffs, it became known that the "Saints" had spied on opposing teams' training sessions.
Due to his role in the espionage scandal, head coach Tonda Eckert now receives a six-week suspended ban and a fine of 33,000 Euros. Since the 33-year-old 'only' received a suspended sentence, he is allowed to continue on the sidelines.
The German coach worked in the youth setup of Red Bull Salzburg from 2016 to 2017.
Masterminded the Spying
As an independent commission of the English Football League (EFL) determined, Eckert led an "elaborate and targeted plan" to spy on opposing teams' training sessions last year. Middlesbrough, Oxford, and Ipswich Town were reportedly affected.
Southampton will be deducted four points for the current season.
The 'Saints' had already received their first penalty last season when the club was barred from further participation in the promotion playoffs after a semi-final victory against Middlesbrough.
