The manager of English Championship (second-tier) side Southampton, who sparked controversy in a "Spygate" scandal involving spying on opponents' training sessions, has been handed a suspension and a fine.

The Football Association (FA) announced on October 8, "An independent regulatory commission has imposed a six-week suspension from football and football-related activities and a fine of 28,000 pounds (approx. 50 million won) on Southampton manager Tonda Eckert (33, Germany)."

However, the six-week ban has been suspended until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

As long as Eckert does not commit any further breaches of the regulations during this period, he will be able to continue leading the team without interruption.

According to the FA, Eckert was charged with acting improperly and bringing the game into disrepute by ordering or approving the observation of opponents' training sessions ahead of matches against Oxford United in December 2025, Ipswich Town in April of this year, and Middlesbrough in May.

The FA stated, "Eckert has admitted to all of the charges."

The "Spygate" controversy came to light last May ahead of Southampton's Championship promotion playoff semi-final against Middlesbrough, when an analytical staff member was caught filming a closed training session without authorization using a mobile phone from high ground near the opponents' training pitch.

Consequently, Southampton received disciplinary sanctions from the English Football League (EFL), which governs the league, including the cancellation of their promotion playoff final appearance and a four-point deduction for the 2026-2027 season.

As a result, Southampton missed out on promotion to the Premier League and currently sit 13th out of 24 teams with 10 points after recording 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in the Championship this season.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)