Southampton manager Eckert fined, given suspended ban for 'spygate' role

Oct 7 : Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has been handed a suspended six-week ban and a £28,000 ($37,000) fine for his involvement in the "spygate" row, after admitting he authorised the observation of training sessions of three rival clubs last season.

• The FA charged Eckert in July and an independent regulatory commission issued the sanctions after a hearing, the FA said on Wednesday.

• The ban is suspended until the end of the 2027-28 season.

• Southampton were expelled from the Championship playoff final and handed a four-point deduction for the 2026-27 season for observing Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough in training.

• Southampton are 13th in the Championship with 10 points after eight matches.

($1 = 0.7564 pounds)