Southampton and Tonda Eckert have both had the pending FA suspension decision hanging over them this season following the Middlesbrough incident last season, but the club expects a final judgement soon, according to talkSPORT.

Southampton had already been punished by the EFL after being found guilty of spying on three opponents, including playoff semi-finalists Middlesbrough, as they were thrown out of the playoff final and started this season with -4 points.

However, the FA initiated its own individual enquiry, and Eckert was charged with wrongdoing in July, though his sentence has yet to be determined.

With no precedent, there has been much conjecture about the punishment, which might range from a permanent ban from UK football to a touchline ban to an individual fine.

Despite the gravity of the situation and the significant consequences for the club, Saints owner Dragan Solak decided to continue with Eckert for the next season, promising fans a team that would get them out their seats.

That has certainly been the case at St Mary’s, where the club has won all four league games and scored 15 goals.

The permanent additions of Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin look inspired, with the latter already the Championship’s top scorer, while the arrivals of Keven Schlotterbeck and James Ward-Prowse make fans feel a lot better about the departures of Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Aston Villa and Shea Charles to Fulham.

Southampton’s Home League Record 2026–27

Played

4

Wins

4

Goals scored.

15

Goals conceded.

4

However, the south coast outfit is yet to win three points on the road, losing to Watford on the first day and drawing with Birmingham City and Lincoln City thereafter.

Southampton have one more encounter against Wrexham before the three-week international break, during which the club expects an FA decision on Eckert, according to talkSPORT.

Southampton hopes for a sensible Eckert decision.

Southampton will believe that the club and Eckert have received adequate punishment for their wrongdoings last season.

While there should undoubtedly be some type of consequence for the German coach, it must be reasonable rather than the outright suspension from football that some have suggested.

Eckert has already admitted that after taking over for Will Still in November of last year, he was not entirely up to speed on all of the rules, and that he spent the summer reading up on them in preparation for the current season.

A brief touchline ban would suffice, allowing everyone to move on and get on with it.

After a promising start to the season, and with the players and fans behind the 33-year-old, Saints officials will not want to be forced to make a decision on Eckert’s future.

Eckert’s Record As Southampton Manager

Games

49

Wins 30

Draws

11

Defeats

8

Win percentage

61.2%

According to the source, if the German is suspended for an extended period of time, Solak will most likely be forced to reverse his decision and relieve Eckert of his duties.

That would leave them in a tough position just a few months into the season, trying to find a new manager who can build on their early success and maintain them in promotion contention.

Following the international break, there is the minor problem of a south coast derby versus Portsmouth at St Mary’s to reckon with.

What is certain is that Southampton and Eckert are expecting an answer either way after this weekend’s crucial game against Wrexham.

If the worst happens, Eckert might join Rasmus Ankersen via the exit door after the renowned Dane quit as Saints’ director.

The 42-year-old has become more active with sister club Goztepe in recent years, but Ankersen remains Southampton’s co-owner through Sport Republic, and he watched them play Bristol City over the weekend.