Eckert free to stay as Southampton boss as Spygate ban suspended

Tonda Eckert is free to continue as Southampton manager after being given a suspended ban for his role in Spygate.

Eckert speaking to BBC Sport in September, days before the hearing took place

A Football Association independent regulatory commission handed the German a six-week ban from all football, but suspended it until the end of next season.

But both he and his club will be hugely relieved he has not received the kind of lengthy ban that could have cost him his job.

The FA charged Eckert in July with misconduct, and a hearing took place at the end of last month.

Saints were expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting spying on training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough before the play-off semi-final.

They were also handed a four-point deduction for this season.

An EFL independent disciplinary commission ruled at the time the espionage was authorised by Eckert and was a "contrived and determined plan from the top down".

Source: BBC Sport