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Southampton boss Eckert takes blame for ‘spygate’ scandal
Key takeaways
- Saints were kicked out of last month’s play-off final after admitting they had observed a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, as well as two other similar incidents during the season.
- They also received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, while the Football Association has opened its own investigation and could yet charge Eckert.
- An independent disciplinary commission of the English Football League (EFL) ruled that there had been a “contrived and determined plan from the top down to gain a competitive advantage” through spying missions.
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has apologised for orchestrating the “spygate” scandal that led to the club’s expulsion from the Championship play-offs as owner Dragan Solak insisted that he would not sack the German.
Saints were kicked out of last month’s play-off final after admitting they had observed a training session held by semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, as well as two other similar incidents during the season.
They also received a four-point deduction that will be applied to the 2026/27 Championship table, while the Football Association has opened its own investigation and could yet charge Eckert.
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