Southampton coach Tonda Eckert charged by FA over alleged role in 'spygate' scandal

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by the FA for his role in the "spygate scandal".

The English football body saying it believed the German coach had authorised the secret observation of training sessions of opponents Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough ahead of their Championship matches with Southampton last season.

The latter was before Southampton's Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough in May, which they won over two legs to put them within one game of returning to the Premier League before being expelled after the "spygate scandal" came to light.

An independent disciplinary commission ruled at the time that the espionage was authorised by Eckert and was a "contrived and determined plan from the top down", while the coach admitted to signing off on the plan.

The FA said it is "alleged that the head coach acted in an improper manner and/or brought the game into disrepute by directing and/or authorising the observation of training sessions" of these games.

Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond, and is currently preparing to lead Southampton in another Championship campaign with club owner Dragan Solak refusing to sack him.

"Tonda and the club will continue to cooperate fully and openly with The FA," Championship side Southampton said in a statement acknowledging the charge.

"The club remains fully supportive of Tonda and his staff as we work towards our ambition of returning to the Premier League."