The FA could create a hazardous precedent by penalising Tonda Eckert further for Southampton’s role in the Spygate incident.
That is according to former Manchester City financial consultant Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Saints would be “really unlucky” to have their boss suspended next season.
Eckert has accepted responsibility for sending an intern to spy on Middlesbrough ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
Southampton was eliminated from the play-offs as a result of his conduct, which Hull City subsequently won and earned promotion back to the Premier League.
However, the problem has yet to be resolved, with the FA still investigating and Eckert only interviewed on Friday, July 3.
There are only a few days until the 2026-27 season begins with the early rounds of the Carabao Cup, but the Championship club is still unaware of their manager’s probable punishment.
Tonda Eckert could receive a touchline ban in 2026–27.
Borson, in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, attacked the probe, suggesting that a six-month penalty would be excessive.They’d be extremely unlucky to be struck hard by the FA on top of what they’ve already endured. “It does not seem right to me.”The case has gained pace,
posing a risk for Southampton if they take drastic measures such as suspending the manager for six months.What are you going to do? They’re a big club, and the season is only a few weeks away,
but all of their plans have changed. Also, where is the decision?”How long will it take them to make a decision if they’ve only just interviewed? What happens if they decide to ban the manager after the season starts?I do not know. They will most likely file an appeal. There is an appeals process. Perhaps that will take time.”
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