Dragan Solak has been vocal since it was confirmed Tonda Eckert will avoid a ban from football, and he has since turned his attention to the EFL.

The FA have handed the 33-year-old a suspended six-week sentence, which is subject to any additional violations of spying rules until the conclusion of the 2027/28 season, meaning he will be able to take his seat in the dugout this weekend against Portsmouth.

The German coach has been additionally fined £28,000 and warned over his role in the spying crisis that engulfed the club at the close of last season.

The FA charged Eckert earlier this year and the matter had only just reached its conclusion during the international break.

The 27-year-old had been in danger of a long football punishment for breaking the EFL’s rules on spying on rivals’ training sessions.

Southampton were kicked out of the play-offs by the EFL last season and penalised with a four-point deduction this campaign for the infringement.

Tonda Eckert ban decision: Dragan Solak breaks silent

Eckert remains free to play football and Solak said he was relieved, adding the team had already paid a heavy price for breaching the EFL’s rules.

But the Southampton owner took a jab at the league’s process behind the investigation, which was fast-tracked because of the time sensitivity of the play-offs being underway when the initial claims of espionage came to light.

“I am glad that the independent panel has made a decision and we have an outcome,” Solak stated on the club’s website.

“We’ve had enough already and we appreciate the panel acknowledging that.

“We are satisfied that the manager has learnt lessons from this matter and a suspended sentence enables him to remain in his post.

“I’ve always felt Tonda is one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe and without that distraction I’m sure he can steer the team to a successful season.

“I want to thank our fans for sticking with us and giving the team so much support at a time when we have needed them more than ever.”

Solak then shared some thoughts on negotiations with the FA and EFL: “The FA process has been a positive experience.

“Tonda has had the opportunity to be transparent and honest with the panel, and the panel has had the opportunity to see that he is just a wonderful person who made stupid choices.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said about the EFL procedure and the manner they have subsequently treated us is not something we will forget.

“But now it’s time to look forward to what I believe will be a great future for our club.”

Southampton’s last five league games

Opponent (Home or Away)

Outcome

Wrexham (away)

2-1 defeat

Bristol City (A)

4-1 Victory

Swansea City (Home)

win 3-1

Lincoln City (away)

1-1

Birmingham City (A)

1-1

Play-off semi-final opponents Middlesbrough were the first to accuse Southampton of spying on opposition training, as pictures emerged of a Saints official taking photographs from behind a tree.

The Hampshire group later confessed three cases of spying on opposing training, notably against Ipswich Town and Oxford United.

The matter was dealt with quickly, since the play-offs had to be completed in time for the final on 23 May.

That saw them crash out of the play-offs having secured a place in the final with a 2-1 aggregate win over Borough.

Southampton fans react to Tonda Eckert ruling by the FA

Southampton fans breathe a sigh of relief that the decision has been taken and the team can now move on.

Eckert’s side face Pompey on 11 October at 12pm when the Championship resumes after the September international break.

FA decision on Tonda Eckert fair

Eckert and Southampton were the ones who bore the brunt of the eavesdropping issue with the EFL and the FA didn’t need to get involved with their own huge punishment.

The 33-year-old has effectively been given a warning by the FA and there is reason to believe another espionage case would incur a large penalty.

“Southampton can now concentrate on the team and the rest of the season as this has been a big off-field distraction.

Fans have been quite supportive of Eckert and the club have done a really good job with the whole affair. Now they could be rewarded for staying by their man as they look to get promoted to the Premier League this season.