Southampton have been found guilty of a 'deplorable approach' in pressuring junior staff to spy on opposition teams, with head coach Tonda Eckert authorising the clandestine observations. An independent commission expelled the club from the play-off final and docked them four points for next season after a bombshell release of written reasons.
Club Initially Denied Spying
The club initially lied, claiming they did not record rivals' training sessions. However, evidence presented to the commission showed Southampton spied on three teams, including play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. As a result, they were kicked out of the final and penalised.
Commission Condemns Actions
The commission stated: 'It involved far more than innocent activity and a particularly deplorable approach in its use of junior members of staff to conduct the clandestine observations at the direction of senior personnel.' They noted that footage and observations were transmitted, internally disseminated, and analysed, concluding that a sporting advantage was likely gained.
An intern was caught filming a Middlesbrough training session. Tonda Eckert accepted that he authorised observing opponents to obtain key information, such as formation and availability of key players. The commission found that the observations fed into match strategy and were discussed with Eckert and others.
The intern described the pressure he was placed under, declining to be involved in one incident involving Ipswich. The commission was unimpressed by claims from Southampton witnesses that they were unaware of breaching rules, emphasising that Southampton is an EFL member bound by those rules.
