The EFL has updated its policies in light of Southampton’s eavesdropping controversy ahead of the new season.

The Saints were eliminated from the play-offs the previous season despite reaching the final.

Following accusations from their semi-final opponents Middlesbrough, the club was found guilty of violating the EFL’s rules regarding eavesdropping on opposition training sessions.

Southampton also acknowledged to breaking the regulations ahead of games against Ipswich Town and Oxford United, earning a four-point deduction punishment for 2026/27 as well.

Tonda Eckert remains in charge of the first-team squad for the time being, but has been charged by the Football Association for his involvement in the incident.

The 33-year-old faces a football ban, but it is unclear what punishment will be imposed.

Following the Southampton instance, the EFL issued an update to its guidelines.

According to The Athletic, the EFL has made an amendment to Regulation 3.4, which concerns clubs operating in good faith towards one another.

It is known that one advantage of this adjustment is the creation of a more consistent norm in regard to the new financial regulations.

However, it will have an impact on any future incidents of teams spying on their rivals’ training sessions, which comes just after Southampton was found guilty of breaking the spying regulations.

The regulation now reads: “In all matters and transactions connected to the league, each club shall conduct with the utmost good faith towards the other club and the league (provided that only the league shall have the right to institute any action whatever for any claimed breach of this condition).

Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, clubs shall not manage their affairs or act in such a way as to seek or take unfair advantage of the Regulations.”

It has been alleged that another portion has been introduced under the heading “Guidance.”

This says: “The duty of utmost good faith in the regulations includes, but is not limited to, the requirement for clubs to disclose in a clear and accessible manner (including requirement not to knowingly omit) all material facts, documents and information which the league will reasonably require to ensure the effective application of the Regulations.”

Southampton is still coping with the fallout from the Eckert issue, and there is no word on when Eckert will learn of his FA sanction.

The Saints will be hoping that the German is not banned from football, since that would entail the appointment of a new head coach.

These regulation changes have been adopted ahead of the new Championship season, which begins this weekend with Eckert’s team against Watford on August 16.

Southampton’s Transfer Business

Southampton has prepared for the next season under the assumption that Eckert will continue to lead the club.

The Saints have signed permanent contracts with Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin, who were both on loan at St. Mary’s last season.

Southampton – 2026/27 Signings (Source: Transfermarkt.com)

Player Name

Signed From

Loan/Permanent

Lewis Dobbin

Aston Villa

Permanent

Daniel Peretz

Bayern Munich

Permanent

Cyle Larin

RCD Mallorca

Permanent

George Long

Norwich City

Free agent.

Divin Mubama

Manchester City

Loan

Lewis Dobbin has also arrived from Aston Villa following a successful loan spell with Preston North End in 2025/26, while Divin Mubama has joined temporarily from Manchester City.

Southampton has until September 1 to finish any remaining business before the market closes, but the uncertainty surrounding Eckert’s status may complicate matters.

Updated EFL rules are a badge of honour for Southampton

The entire espionage affair was a negative mark on Southampton’s reputation, as it destroyed their promotion chances without a loss on the pitch.

However, only a few teams can claim to have influenced a rule change, and the Saints can be proud of that.

The club must leave last season behind them and focus solely on the coming season, especially because they must overcome a four-point deficit right away.

However, the fact that the club has had such a specific impact on the game and the EFL will be interesting historical knowledge.