The Football Association is contemplating charging Southampton manager Tonda Eckert with misconduct following the spying scandal that resulted in the club's expulsion from the Championship play-off final.
Southampton Expelled, Middlesbrough Reinstated
Southampton were removed from the play-off final after being found guilty of spying on semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. The English Football League announced the decision on Tuesday, following an independent tribunal. Middlesbrough, who lost 2-1 to Southampton over two legs, have been reinstated and will now face Hull City on Saturday. Southampton has lodged an appeal, with the verdict expected on Wednesday, just three days before the Wembley showpiece.
In addition to expulsion, Southampton admitted to filming training sessions of Oxford United in December and Ipswich Town in April during the regular season. The club has also been docked four points for the start of the next season in the Championship.
Potential Ban for Eckert
Eckert could face a lengthy ban from football if found to have brought the game into disrepute. The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday 7 May, when a Southampton intern analyst was spotted filming Middlesbrough's training session on a mobile phone while hiding behind a tree at Rockliffe Park.
Eckert has remained silent despite intense questioning in press conferences. The EFL has not confirmed whether the German manager was directly involved, but more details are expected when the tribunal's written reasons are published after the appeal.
Rule E3 of the FA's regulations covers misconduct, stating: "A Participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or which brings the game into disrepute."
The Independent has contacted Southampton and the FA for comment.
