07/22/26 11:13:00
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07/22 11:11 CDT Southampton coach Eckert charged by FA over spying scandal that
shocked English soccer
Southampton coach Eckert charged by FA over spying scandal that shocked English
soccer
By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer
MANCHESTER, England (AP) --- Southampton coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by
the English Football Association for his part in the spying scandal that
shocked English soccer last season.
The FA said Wednesday that Eckert had been charged for three incidents that
came to light during the end of season playoffs.
Southampton was expelled from the Championship playoff final in May after
admitting to spying on other teams, including semifinal opponent Middlesbrough.
The FA said it was alleged Eckert acted in an "improper manner and/or brought
the game into disrepute" by authorizing the observation of opponents' training
sessions.
Southampton was charged by the English Football League with the unauthorized
filming of Middlesbrough's practice sessions ahead of their two-legged
semifinal, which it went on to win and go within one game of promotion to the
Premier League.
It was expelled from the final after admitting to spying on Oxford United and
Ipswich earlier in the season. The EFL also imposed a four-point deduction for
next season, while Middlesbrough was reinstated to the final, which it lost 1-0
to Hull City.
An arbitration panel laid bare the influence of Eckert in the scandal, saying
it was "a contrived and determined plan from top down to gain a competitive
advantage" and analysts who carried out the unauthorized filming "felt
pressurised to do the observations that Mr. Eckert and the senior coaches
wished them to do."
Expulsion from the playoffs deprived Southampton of the chance of promotion to
the top flight and a guaranteed windfall of at least $270 million in future
earnings.
Despite the controversy Southampton said it was sticking by its coach.
"As a board, we are fully behind him," owner Dragan Solak said in June, "and
together we only have one objective --- we want promotion back to (the) Premier
League."
Eckert also said in June that he had "made a mistake" and took "full
responsibility."
Eckert has until July 28 to respond to the FA charges.
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