Tonda Eckert’s meeting with the Football Association on Thursday has Southampton afraid that he could face a three-month or longer ban from all football.

According to the Daily Echo, the Saints are unsure what to anticipate when the German meets with the FA after being charged for his role in the spying controversy that engulfed the end of the previous season.

Hampshire were found guilty of violating the EFL’s espionage regulations, which resulted in their removal from the play-offs.

The club was also given a four-point deduction punishment for this season, and the FA became involved.

Eckert was interviewed for four hours in July as part of their investigation into the matter, and he is now at risk of receiving a large individual penalty for his involvement in everything.

Southampton admitted to spying on opposition teams three times, including before the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.

Southampton fear Tonda Eckert’s penalty.

Southampton are reported to be afraid that Eckert will be banned from all football activities for three months or longer by the FA.

It is also understood that they may refer the matter to FIFA, which will have the authority to impose the sentence on a worldwide scale.

The Saints are unsure what to expect from Thursday’s hearing, and there is no guaranty that a conclusion would be delivered soon.

Southampton’s last five league results.

Opponent (Home or away)

Result

Wrexham (A)

2-1 loss

Bristol City(H)

4-1 win

Swansea City (Home)

3-1 win

Lincoln City (A

1-1

Birmingham City (A)

1-1

The FA officially charged Eckert almost two months ago, but the club and coach are still awaiting the outcome of the case.

If he receives a ban that is enforced internationally, Eckert will be unable to find work elsewhere.

Owner Dragan Solak has stated that he will challenge any football ban, although the 33-year-old may be unable to remain as head coach while the appeal process is underway.

How Southampton fans feel about a potential Tonda Eckert ban

Some Southampton fans believe that if Eckert is suspended, the club should move on from him rather than challenge the judgement.

A three-month penalty would be manageable for Southampton.

If Eckert is unable to find work elsewhere and Southampton wishes to retain him, a three-month ban should be sufficient.

Any longer and the club may need to find a replacement, but they could probably scrape by until December with just an assistant in charge.

Solak has made it obvious that he intends to remain loyal to Eckert, despite the controversy that ended their promotion ambitions last season.

It would not be ideal to be without a head coach for an extended period of time, and a suspension would be cruel, but three months would be manageable for the club.