Tonda Eckert has apologised for orchestrating the spying scandal that led to Southampton being expelled from the Championship playoff final. The club was found to have observed training sessions of three opponents, seriously violating competition integrity.
In a video message, Eckert accepted full responsibility, apologising to affected clubs and supporters. Despite the scandal, owner Dragan Solak confirmed he will not sack the German head coach, stating he wants Eckert to lead the club into the Premier League next season.
Eckert cited his coaching background in Germany and Italy, and comments by Pep Guardiola, as context for the spying. He ordered analysts to observe Oxford United and Ipswich during the regular season, and sent an analyst to Middlesbrough before a playoff semi-final.
An intern refused to spy on Ipswich, so an academy analyst recorded footage instead. Eckert claimed the spying had no impact on sporting performance, saying he sought to confirm tactical details.
Solak described Eckert's tenure as a success, citing remarkable form in 2026, and said the board is fully behind him. The club's sole objective is promotion back to the Premier League.
